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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, REV. FR. DR. HYACINTH IORMEM ALIA, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION, AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MAKURDI, ON 12TH JUNE, 2025 PROTOCOL My dear people of Benue State. Today is more than a date on the calendar. It is a mirror of our collective spirit, the spirit of freedom, sacrifice and the enduring will of the people. Democracy is not merely a system of government; it is a living force that draws strength from the voices of citizens, the courage of leaders and the blood of martyrs. It is the right to choose, the freedom to speak and the sacred duty to build. We are reminded that democracy is not a gift from the powerful, it is a legacy built by the brave. 2. Today, we remember Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 election. An election that united Nigerians like never before. We salute other heroes, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi and countless unsung citizens who stood for truth, justice and freedom. 3. We recall with pride the sons and daughters of Benue who stood tall in the face of tyranny and repression, blazing a trail for democratic ideals. We honour Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, a visionary leader and the second Executive Governor of Benue State, who demonstrated that faith and politics can align in service of the people. We salute Senator Iyorchia Ayu, a staunch advocate of democratic principles and other worthy Benue patriots who have contributed to the shaping of our democratic landscape as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one of the key architects of the pro-democracy struggle, who now bears the mantle of national leadership. 4. We commend the Buhari administration for restoring the rightful place of June 12 in our national calendar and we appreciate our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continuing to uphold and deepen the democratic ideals that bind us. 5. Democracy thrives only when the people are heard, respected and protected. Here in Benue State, our democratic journey has been defined by resilience, sacrifice and an unyielding commitment to justice and fairness. 6. Under my watch as your servant-leader, we have taken bold steps to align our policies with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Our shared goal is simple: to make democracy work for the ordinary Nigerian. 7. In Benue, this vision is gradually becoming a reality as: i. We have achieved relative peace in areas that were once plagued by violence and insecurity. Our collaboration with security agencies and community leaders has yielded visible results. But we are not there yet, until 100% peace is recorded and our people are back to their ancestral homes. ii. We are paying salaries and pensions that were owed for years. A worker deserves his wage and we will not compromise on that principle. iii. We have launched agricultural empowerment programmes to support our farmers, the backbone of Benue’s economy. iv. Major roads are being rehabilitated, schools renovated and hospitals upgraded. v. We are supporting displaced persons with dignity, care and reintegration plans. vi. Our youth empowerment programmes would be creating jobs, skills and hope for a brighter future. 8. All these are not promises; we are delivering on them, one step at a time. 9. My good people of Benue, the journey ahead is one of hope and transformation. 10. We are set to launch agro-industrial hubs that will process our produce locally and boost our economy. New road projects will connect communities and open up rural areas for commercial activities. We will continue to support MSMEs, women-led businesses and tech-driven solutions that position Benue for the future. 11. We are working on health insurance access for every Benue citizen, because health is wealth. We will deepen transparency, embrace technology in governance and ensure that every naira spent works for the people. 12. Let it be known that this administration is for the people and we are sincere about our vision to move Benue forward. We are listening, and we are determined to leave Benue better than we met it. 13. On this Democracy Day, I call on all Benue sons and daughters, home and abroad to come together in unity. Our strength lies not in our differences, but in our shared purpose. 14. Let us reject division, hate and violence. Let us embrace dialogue, compassion and hard work. Democracy is a team effort. The government alone cannot carry the load. We need every hand on deck. 15. To our security operatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and everyday citizens, I thank you for your support and urge you to continue to uphold peace and the law. 16. We pause to remember Chief MKO Abiola and all those who paid the price for the democracy we enjoy today. Their blood, tears and sacrifices shall never be in vain. May we honour them not just in words, but in actions that uphold freedom, fairness and justice.Let us not forget the countless Benue citizens, men, women and youth who lost their lives in various crises across our communities while defending their land and their right to be heard. Their sacrifices are the pillars on which our democracy stands. 17. As your Governor, I pledge again today: I will not betray your trust. I will serve with humility, integrity and a clear focus on results. We will listen to you. We will work for you. We will walk this journey of transformation together. 18. Democracy is not a destination, it is a journey. A journey we must all walk with faith, with resolve and with the hope that tomorrow will be better than today. 19. Let us celebrate this Democracy Day with joy, with reflection and with renewed commitment to building a greater Benue and a greater Nigeria. Long live democracy. Long live Benue State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria