Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has extended his appreciation to the people of the state for heeding his words not to join the nationwide protest.

According to the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, Governor Alia praised the organized labor, trade unions, civil society organizations, the youth, and other groups in the state for keeping to their word not to participate in the protest.

“The Governor says the decision of the people to shelve the protest in the state demonstrates their firm belief in the policies of the APC led administration in the country, saying it is an indication that the people are willing to give the government more time to improve on their welfare.

“Governor Alia equally assures the people of the State of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unflinching love for Benue, stating that the numerous projects embarked upon by his administration across the length and breadth of the state, are as a result of the support and cordial relationship his administration has enjoyed from the Tinubu led federal government,” governor Alia said in the statement.

The governor promised to continue to do his best to provide good governance, saying that will be the only way to justify the trust placed in him by the people of the state.

He also encouraged the people to continue to remain peaceful, going about their normal businesses throughout the period.