By Ononye VC
Makurdi, Benue State — The All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2023 Benue State governorship election, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has received a certificate of return, cementing his victory as the governor-elect of the state.
The certificate was presented to Alia by the mational commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Festus Okoye, at a ceremony held at the Precious Event Centre in Makurdi on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023.
The event was attended by political leaders, supporters, and well-wishers of Alia, who gathered to witness the presentation of the certificate.
Speaking at the ceremony, Okoye congratulated Alia on his victory and commended him for his commitment to the electoral process.
“I want to commend Father Alia for his commitment to the democratic process and for his exemplary conduct throughout the election period. His victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Benue State have in him,” Okoye said.
Alia, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude to the people of Benue State for their support and promised to work tirelessly to improve their lives.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust and confidence that the people of Benue State have reposed in me. I promise to work tirelessly to improve their lives and ensure that our state moves forward,” he said.
He also thanked INEC and the security agencies for conducting free, fair, and credible elections and promised to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to move the state forward.
Alia defeated the incumbent speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Titus Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a keenly contested election held on March 18. His victory has been hailed by many as a significant milestone in the political history of the state.
With the presentation of the certificate of return, Alia is now poised to take over the reins of power in Benue State come May 29th and begin the task of governing for the benefit of the Benue people.
