Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has announced suspension of all forms of illegal logging and mining activities in the state, warning that anyone caught in any of the activities will face the full wrath of the law.
The governor who was speaking recently at Methodist Church of Nigeria, South Bank Wadata Makurdi during the interdenominational church service organised by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in conjunction with Benue State Government to mark the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary, said those interested in the business must be properly documented by relevant authority in order to block revenue leakages to ensure accelerated development of the state.
Alia who commended people of the state for electing him their leader, maintained that he has no reason whatsoever not to attract development to the state given the numerous mineral resources that abound in the state.
He assured people of the state that his administration will create an enabling environment for them to explore their full potentials. And, added that the present hardship being experienced as a result of fuel subsidy removal will soon become a thing of the past as necessary measures are being put in place.
He revealed that his administration has inherited a debt burden of three hundred and fifty nine billion Naira (#359 bn) from the immediate past administration. But expressed the hope that the challenge will not deter him from moving the state forward and called on all hands to be on deck to move the state out of its present woes.
Earlier, guest preacher at the church service, Rev Tor Ujah said no nation can develop without attitudinal change of her citizens.
According to the cleric, a nation develops through character and integrity of her citizens. He implored every Nigerian citizen to get busy, insisting that he who does not work should not eat as enjoined by the holy scriptures.
The former Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Abuja told the congregation that the country can move forward only when every citizen begins to see themselves as agents of change,. He called on government to create more conducive environment for citizens to pursue any legitimate business of their choice.
The founder, Mission House International, Makurdi enjoined the people not to idle away but get something doing as that was the only weapon that can be used to fight heightened poverty in the land.
The state CAN Chairman and Bishop of Makurdi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe represented by his Vice, Rev Terwase Ugbede, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the giant strides he has taken, especially the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and efforts to resettle the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
There was special prayers for the nation and state offered by representatives of CAN blocs while governor Alia, his deputy Barr Samuel Ode and state attorney general and commissioner for justice Barr Fidelis Mnyim took the first, second and third readings.
