Benue: A former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has urged political elites to prioritize the nation's development over succession politics. Maku's call for change came during an assessment tour of projects executed by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, marking the administration's two-year milestone.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tour aimed to evaluate the impact of the projects initiated by the governor to improve citizens' lives and deliver democracy dividends. Maku emphasized the need for political leaders to move beyond the ongoing political disputes over the 2027 elections, focusing instead on tangible development efforts.
During the tour, Maku, accompanied by a team of journalists, praised the Benue Governor for creating a cooperative relationship between the state and local government councils to expedite development projects. The projects inspected included several significant road constructions across the state, such as the 20km Mbawuar Sec-Bako-Naa Road, the 16km Atser-Kornya Road, and the 29.3km Adikopo-Kotiyough Road, among others.
Maku highlighted the importance of these road projects in transforming Benue State's agricultural landscape, noting that improved infrastructure will facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to urban areas. Despite many projects being in their early stages, Maku expressed confidence in the state's commitment to opening up rural areas through strategic road construction.
He called for effective monitoring and timely financial support to ensure the completion of these projects within the next year. Maku, who previously initiated the National Good Governance Tour, reiterated the importance of development-focused governance over political maneuvering.
Dr. Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, echoed Maku's sentiments, emphasizing the need to shift national discourse from politics to development. He noted the governor's efforts to transform rural roads into major thoroughfares as crucial for stimulating the rural economy.
Mr. Solomon Iorpev, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, stated that the tour was part of the celebrations for the governor's two years in office. He assured that Gov. Alia's administration is committed to addressing infrastructure deficits and enhancing connectivity across the state.