The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, asked his predecessors to refrain from interfering in his administration, saying they already had their term.
The governor gave the warning while briefing journalists in Makurdi on his return from the United States of America.
Though, the governor did not particularly mention anybody, the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom had during the celebration of his 63rd birthday said that those advising the governor to be at daggers drawn with the Secretary General of the Federation, Senator George Akume, did not have the interest of the state.
But speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Alia asked his predecessors to henceforth shut up.
The governor stated that he would not allow anyone to destabilize his administration.
He said, “I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or Civil Servant. If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contribute to Benue, shut up. You had your term you went through it, and allowed the administration to work.
“You did your part and if you are in the state know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms are welcomed but verify your facts.
“If you have served your tenure you cannot stay by the side and destabilize this government, he said.
Speaking on his visit to the USA, the governor said that he along with nine other governors of the North were invited by the US Peace Institute to chart a way forward on insecurity confronting the region.
“Ten governors were there and several things were considered for implementation. Amongst them is how to get the displaced persons back homes, which is paramount to me.
“I have been away in the last eight days to sell the image of the state and clear its battered image.
“In the past, Benue wasn’t even on the national radar. It’s going to be a place where other states will come to learn, emulate, and take back to their states.
“Farmers are getting back to farming in Gwer West, Gwer East, Guma, and Makurdi among others are enjoying relative peace.
“Those of us at the home front must do our best. Each person is a security personnel and it must go beyond seeing something and saying something.
“Don’t let anybody buy you off to sell your people don’t let anyone cow you to sell off your land.
“Cooperate with security apparatus to give us their best. The uniform people are here with us and for us. If someone wants to use you to steal cows or to cause mischief, tell them to bring back their children”, the governor added.
