Support Tinubu, Alia 200%; ...They Mean Well for Us – Prof. Ugbah

The member representing Benue State in the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), His Excellency Amb. Prof. Steve Torkuma Ugbah, has urged Nigerians to support the federal and state governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.

He made the appeal during a reception dinner organized in his honour by his 1972 classmates of Mount Saint Michael’s Catholic Secondary School, Aliade.

The reception, led by Prof. Simeon Ajegi, attracted a large turnout of dignitaries and well-wishers to celebrate Ugbah, who once served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia and was a top contender in the 2011 Benue governorship election.

In his remarks at the Makurdi Club 1930, the celebrant expressed appreciation to his classmates and other guests for the honour done him, describing the event as a symbol of love and humanity. He urged others to extend similar gestures to promote unity and development in society.

Prof. Ugbah noted that the occasion also reflected the bond of friendship and unity built more than five decades ago in their secondary school days. He encouraged his supporters to prioritize support for both the federal and state governments under Tinubu and Alia.

Responding to a question from Miss Aondoakaa Doowuese Cecilia, a youth leader and supporter of his 2011 campaign slogan “Ugbah Nyor Ishor Chenji,” on opportunities for young people, Ugbah said creating jobs for Nigerian youths, especially in Benue, had always been central to his vision, much like his mentor, the late Wantaregh Paul Unongo, who, as Minister of Steel Development, created opportunities for many.

He recalled that Unongo’s role in the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill inspired him, as Ambassador to Russia, to push for its revival. According to him, the Ajaokuta project has the potential not only to supply Africa’s industrial needs but also to provide millions of jobs.

Ugbah revealed that although Russian investors initially hesitated to return after 40 years, citing obsolescence of the plant, he pressured them by hinting that the Chinese and Indians were willing to take over the project. “At that point, I gave them a condition: accept quickly or lose the huge investment opportunity. They immediately agreed to return,” he said.

The former ambassador further urged support for Governor Alia, stressing that the governor has shown independence of mind and commitment to development. “My friend, Rev. Fr. Alia, does what he believes is best for the people. I support him 200% to take Benue to greater heights,” he declared.

Highlighting ongoing projects, Ugbah commended the governor for the Gboko flyover, the Makurdi underpass, and road constructions across the state, describing them as capital-intensive projects deserving of commendation.

He also called for patience and understanding, noting that Governor Alia cannot satisfy everyone at the same time but is working in the interest of the majority.

On allegations of corruption against the governor, Ugbah said: “It surprises me when people say Alia has stolen billions of naira. Where would he have gotten the money to execute so many projects?” He compared the situation to a governor in San Francisco who reconstructed a portion of a bridge at $11 billion without generating the kind of public outcry Alia faces.

Convener of the event, Prof. Ajegi, described Ugbah as “the best person who could have been governor for Benue people to fully enjoy democratic dividends, but missed out.” He urged him to remain steadfast in his principles fo

r progress and development.