Benue news

Benue 2023: Fulani Group endorses Alia for governorship

Fulani pastoralists from Benue and Nasarawa yesterday endorsed the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue state, Fr Hyacinth Alia as the man they will support for the 2023 election.

Addressing journalists after the meeting in Lafia, spokesman for the group, Alhaji Sahabi Husaini stressed that Alia is the only one who has promised that if elected as governor, he will protect Fulani herders with their cows and accommodate them for peaceful coexistence in the state.

“We are fully behind that reverend father. All Fulani men and women will support him to win the election because he has given us his word that our people who have been chased from Benue state will be allowed to return to carry out their legitimate business of cattle breeding,” he stated.

Husaini thanked the leadership of APC in Benue state for giving the governorship ticket to Alia whom he described as “a true friend who is ready to defend the Fulani interest”.

“Let me tell you that even in 2019, we preferred Jime, who was like a son to us instead of Ortom but the majority of Benue people wanted Ortom so we had to wait for the right time (2023) when we will install a governor who will serve the Fulani interest in that state”, said.

The herders’ spokesman further said that they would mobilize support for the Benue APC governorship candidate with financial resources to enable him emerge victorious at the polls next year.

Alia last month received a similar endorsement from another group known as APC Fulani Nationwide which said it is working round the clock to ensure that he becomes Benue governor in 2023.

National Leader of the group, Garus Gololo, told our correspondent on telephone that the Benue APC candidate is the only one who has held meetings with Fulani pastoralists and condemned the Benue anti-open grazing law while giving them assurance that he will protect their interests if they support him to win the coming election.

Gololo accused Governor Samuel Ortom of making a law that has grounded the business (open grazing) of Fulani herders in the state. He said their reason for backing the APC candidate in 2019 against Ortom and now supporting Alia is to have a Governor who will repeal the law prohibiting open grazing and allow their members free passage in parts of Benue state.

Gololo added that the struggle to return Fulanis to Benue will not end until they succeed in achieving their target, no matter how long it takes.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

17 hours ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

17 hours ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

17 hours ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

17 hours ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

17 hours ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

18 hours ago