In a significant resolution, the Supreme Court affirmed Governor Hyacinth Alia as the legitimate winner of the March 2023 governorship election in Benue. The verdict, delivered on January 8, laid to rest the prolonged legal dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) wasted no time in extending warm congratulations to Governor Alia. In a statement signed by CBJ President Emmanuel Anule, the group acknowledged the finality the judgment brought to the political tussle and emphasized the irrevocable legitimacy it bestowed upon Alia’s administration.

Anule urged Governor Alia to perceive the Supreme Court’s decision as a manifestation of the people’s will for positive change in Benue. The statement underscored the importance of unity and urged the governor to extend an olive branch to political opponents and all Benue residents for inclusive governance.

With the legal battles now settled, the CBJ emphasized that it was time for Governor Alia to focus on delivering good governance to the people of Benue. The group highlighted the public’s desire for peace, quality infrastructure, and progress across all sectors of the economy.

Notably, Governor Alia’s victory had been previously affirmed by a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in November 2023. The appellate court dismissed an appeal by Titus Uba of the PDP, who was the closest challenger. The court resolved all issues, including the alleged non-qualification of Alia and his running mate, Sam Ode, in favor of the APC governor.

Emphasizing the need for support to attract investors, the CBJ stressed that the distractions of politics should now make way for collaborative efforts towards development. The statement concluded by expressing confidence in Governor Alia’s ability to lead the state towards progress and urged unity among Benue residents.

This Supreme Court judgment not only solidifies Governor Alia’s position but also sets the stage for focused governance in Benue.