From Attah Ede Makurdi 

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Friday, said he made remarkable achievements in office within the last one year due to the unwavering support extended to him by President Bola Tinubu.

Alia disclosed this during his thank you tour to Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency held in Makurdi the State Capital.

He said all the numerous projects he has executed in the State was made possible by President Tinubu.

The governor noted that both the construction of roads, underpass, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, remodeling of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat and others were made possible through the efforts of Mr.

He said the President had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the State to be patient with him as the President has “very good intentions for the citizenry”.

Governor therefore expressed his readiness to renovate and upgrade the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi to international standard, stressing that the facilities at the square is over 30 years old and was constructed during the military era.

He said his administration has constructed 16 township roads within the State and also constructing a underpass in Makurdi and Gboko respectively.

The governor assured that more roads would be awarded for construction within the Constituency in no distance time and announced that going forward payment of salaries and pensions would starts from 22nd of every month.

Earlier, Sen Barnabas Gemade, Chairman Benue APC’s Elder Forum said Gov Alia’s coming was the divine work of God therefore nobody could stop God from fulfilling His wish in the State.

Sen Gemade said the Alia’s administration has employed thousands into the State civil service and was paying regularly, adding that previous governors failed to pay with even smaller number of workforce.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese commended the governor for the numerous infrastructures recorded within the federal constituency.

Dr Ortese assured that all appointees from the Constituency would continue to give their best for the administration to succeed.

Earlier, Terver Gbenda, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies said the youths were behind the governor because of his achievements.

Gbenda said come 2027, the youths would still support his reelection.

Mr Benjamin Omakolo, Benue APC acting chairman, who received 4780 persons who defected from other political parties into the APC within the Constituency assured them of equal treatment.

The Nigerian Army on Friday, destroyed about 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels arrested with stolen crude oil in the oil-bearing Asa Community of Abia.

The Army operatives set the vessels ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats, at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.

Dada, who was accompanied by the  Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, said that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution.

He said that the Army was at the creek in respect of carrying out one of the mandates of Operation Udoka, “which is to make sure that any form of economic sabotage does not happen within its joint operation area.

“We have been here since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs that are trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy,” he said.

Dada also said that the operation was based on intelligence report, adding that the suspects had attempted to start siphoning the crude from the pipeline, before they were arrested.

He further said that the suspects had sunk some crude oil-laden boats in the water before the troops got there, adding that, the troops were in the process of recovering others.

The GOC said that all the 14 boats were destroyed, in line with the Standing Operating Procedure.

“The person that is involved in this particular location is on the run presently but we will get him, it’s just a matter of time.

“This is more of a cartel and we believe that a lot of people are actually involved.

“The proceeds are being used to finance these acts of terrorism.

“But as a note of warning, this is just the beginning.

“We will continue with this operation and make sure no stone is left unturned.

“The Nigerian Army will in no way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country,” Dada said. (NAN)

Former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has applauded Gov. Dauda Lawal for the execution of quality road projects in Gusau, Zamfara, within his first year in office.

This is contained in a statement by Suleiman Idris,  Lawal’s media aide and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Gusau.

Mu’azu, who was also the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke in Gusau at the unveiling of the various road projects executed under Lawal’s Urban Renewal Programme.

Mu’azu said he was impressed with the quality of the road projects initiated by Lawal.

“Today, I stand with a lot of pride and gratitude to Allah for the commendable projects that Gov.

“The remarkable aspect of these roads is that they are of the highest quality by global standards.

“I can assure you that these are very durable roads because Triacta does not compromise on standards,” Mu’azu said.

The former Bauchi governor unveiled the Freedom Square to Nasiha Chemist Junction, Freedom Square to the Government House road and the road from Government House to Lalan to Gada Biyu, all in Gusau.

Speaking at the event, Lawal said that Gusau has begun to assume the status of a state capital after 28 years since Zamfara was created.

He said, “Indeed, we cannot thank almighty Allah enough for the gift of life and for the opportunity to continue to unveil project after project.

”This is not only as a developmental pedestal of our state but as a mark of fulfillment of our promises to the people of Zamfara during the campaigns.

”I want to reiterate my commitment to the service of my dear state at all times,” Lawal said.

According to him, the project was the second in a series of many, adding, “by the time we finish our plans for the urban renewal programme, all of us will be proud to call Gusau our state capital.

”Similarly, we will improve all infrastructure across the 14 local government areas of the state.”

Reports says that unveiling of the road projects in Gusau marked the end of the celebration of Lawal’s first anniversary in office.(NAN)