A northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has commended the Benue State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, for the victory recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded local government elections in the state.
Reports said the APC won all the 23 local government areas in the state.
The group said the victory showed that Governor Alia is committed to grassroots development in the state.
In a statement by the convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, he also commended the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.
“Arewa Think Tank views Benue State Council Elections at this moment of our national history as an extraordinary democratic activity for many various reasons as a build up to unfolding democratic events in our nation.
The Benue State Government effective Funding of the State Independent Electoral Commission was observed as a vital factor in the smooth and organized arrangements of the Council Elections.
“We want to commend the Benue State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia for ensuring that the ruling party carried the day in the just concluded local government election.
“Arewa Think Tank also wishes to commend the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.
“The assessment has been good. The governor has done one of the great things that has ever happened in Benue State by enabling one of the best local government elections in the state.
“The election everywhere in the state was peaceful and calm, and the turnout was commendable based on reports we gathered. We are happy that all the structures and supporters were on the ground to achieve the goal.
“Though we gathered that the turnout was low and in some polling units, voting commenced late, the exercise was hitch-free. We are impressed that there was massive deployment of security personnel in polling units, streets, and major highways within the state capital,” the statement said.
The ATT expressed optimism that grassroots development is assured now that the ruling party emerged victorious at the end of the exercise in Benue State.
