Governor Alia
The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, has firmly rejected suggestions by some clerics for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, citing the need for unity and continued support for Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking on Saturday in Makurdi, the State Overseer of the conference, Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyegh, emphasized that Alia remains a trusted figure in the church and deserves both protection and encouragement from spiritual leaders.
Gov. Alia, described as “our brother in the vineyard,” was lauded by Nyoonkyegh who insisted that political stability and development, not emergency measures, are what Benue requires.
“What we need now in Benue is unity and support for the governor to succeed. Let us help him to succeed because he is heading in the right direction,” he said.
The call for emergency rule, previously raised by some bishops over worsening insecurity, was dismissed by Nyoonkyegh as unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.
“We cannot continue to talk about military takeover or emergency rule in Benue. We are not even sure that a Benue son will be appointed as the sole administrator. Look at what happened in Rivers. A sole administrator was appointed for Rivers who is from another state,” he warned.
Citing scriptural backing, the archbishop reminded fellow clerics that political leadership is ordained by divine will.
“Even the Bible has admonished us to be submissive to authorities, adding that only God gives authority to people,” he said.
He continued with a heartfelt plea for unity:
“As fathers of faith, when you have a son and brother in the vineyard and they are doing well, you say, brother, keep it up. Recently we were here crying on the issue of insecurity, and there were reasons to support our cries.
“Fr Alia is our brother in the vineyard, and we will continue to pray for him to succeed. What we know is that there is no authority that is not given from God.
“And the Bible says we must be submissive to the authorities. Yes, we are prophets, but we are submissive to the authorities here on earth too.
“What we need here is development, and the governor is developing the state, so what else can we ask for?
“Apart from issues of insecurity, which he is trying, and we are seeing some of his efforts, what fundamental offence has he committed?”
Archbishop Nyoonkyegh also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for standing by the people of Benue.
He highlighted the recent directive from the President asking the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to relocate to Benue State in response to the rising insecurity.
“We cried with faith in God, and he is hearing our prayers, and we believe that this mystery that we have witnessed in the last few days since the arrival of the Chief of Army should continue.
“Since his arrival, we have not heard of any further attack on our people. Let the peace be maintained.”
