The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed his administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity of traditional institutions within the state.
Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi, Governor Alia emphasized the importance of these monarchs as the custodians of the people’s customs. He urged them to remain in their domains in order to be duly respected.
Furthermore, Governor Alia stressed that traditional rulers should have the freedom to summon any individual in authority, including himself, to their palaces rather than having to visit them in their respective offices.
“As custodians, they should be able to invite or summon anyone they wish to see to their palaces. This is crucial for the restoration of the chiefs’ dignity,” he stated.
In an interview with the press in Makurdi, Apera, the Special Adviser to Governor Alia on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, highlighted the Governor’s concerns over illegal mining, checkpoints, and logging occurring in the state’s hinterlands.
He urged the traditional rulers to lend their support to the government in combating these issues, calling on them to assist in identifying youths within their domains who are involved in unauthorized tax collection. These illicit activities not only deprive the government of crucial revenue for development but also burden farmers and traders, leading to an increase in market prices.
The Governor also urged the traditional rulers to promptly report any unlawful activities in their domains to the security agencies and maintain a supportive stance towards the government.
