KEY POINTS

• Governor Alia warns against attempts to undermine his authority.
• He stressed that Benue State can only have one leader at a time.
• Calls for Tiv unity among his administration.

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has warned that anyone creating a storm around his authority desist independence, adding that he can and would arrest them.

The governor, who gave the remarks at the burial of the late royal father Zaki Toko Zumbe at Vandeikya Local Government Area, assured that he is the legitimate leader of the state on the claim of the people.

“There is no place for two governors in the state at a point in time, we have only one governor,” Governor Alia said. “I am the only elected governor of Benue State.” Anybody who doesn’t like that leadership, should quietly leave the state.”

His administration is a pro people of Benue State, Alia said in his remarks, which also touched on continued political tension.

Message to dissenters

He called on detractors to respect the state’s development agenda and uphold his mandate. In particular, he sent a message to members of the Tiv community to unite under his leadership.

“I will want the whole Tiv Nation to understand that I am the governor from Kunav land.” He declared at the same time, if anyone else feels the way they do, they are free to leave Kunav and Tiv land altogether.

In addition, Governor Alia’s words are in sync with his desire to live on in power and stability of Benue State.