The member-elect for Ado/Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State, Chief Philip Agbese, has congratulated Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, for their inauguration and subsequent assumption of office.
Governor Alia on Tuesday visited the state secretariat complex in Makurdi unannounced, and was taken around the two-storey building housing offices of state agencies and parastatals by the Head of Service, Veronica Onyeke.
He expressed total displeasure at the level to which government files, furniture, and other valuable property at the secretariat were torn, defaced, and left unkempt by workers.
Agbese, in a statement on Wednesday, said the new administration has hit the ground running, demonstrating the much-needed will to change the fortunes of the state.
The Enone Servant, as he is known, noted that in the last 24 hours, the governor has already taken drastic steps to cleanse the land of the demons of the last Samuel Ortom administration.
Agbese described as unfortunate the N187 billion debt left behind by the last administration, however, expressing confidence in Governor Alia to turn things around.
According to him, the governor’s decision to place a ‘Post No Debit’ order on all state bank accounts is a welcome development and proof that he is prepared for the tasks ahead.
He added that the governor and his deputy have come up with a well-thought-positive blueprint to bring peace, progress, and prosperity to the land.
For instance, Agbese said Alia’s decision to revisit the contentious anti-grazing law should be commended, especially as its implementation has been perilous.
The lawmaker-elect further said the governor has made it clear that the plight of the workers and pensioners will receive immediate attention.
He added that with Alia and Ode on the saddle, Benue is automatically reconnected to the Federal Government and would enjoy all the accompanying benefits.
Agbese, therefore, urged Benue residents to be optimistic because the “beginning of an assured hope is here”.
The member-elect said although the governor has no magic wand, he has already shown to be compassionate, focused, and dedicated to the cause of making the state work again.
On his part, Agbese assured that he will do his best in the 10th National Assembly and use his contacts to lure both the Federal Government and investors to the state.
He pledged that Benue State will witness an unprecedented level of economic boom, enhanced security of lives and property as well as better conditions for workers and pensioners.
