…canvasses support for Gov Alia

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Former Governor of Benue state, Senator Gabriel Suswam has called on his supporters to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and obtain their membership cards ahead of the party’s forthcoming congresses.

Suswam also urged his loyalists to rally round Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing him as the only governor of Benue State and stressing the need for unity within the ruling party.

The former lawmaker made the call at his hometown, Anyiin, in Logo Local Government Area, shortly after collecting his APC membership card at Mbagber Council Ward.

The registration exercise was coordinated by the APC State Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, while the Benue North-East Senatorial District Registration Coordinator, Rueben Angula, administered the registration.

Addressing his supporters after completing the process, Suswam said his decision to join the APC was driven by the desire to move Benue State forward.

“I joined APC today so that we will move Benue forward and make it great. This is not about fighting the government,” he said.

He explained that some of his supporters had been uncertain about their political direction following his defection, but made it clear that their loyalty should align with the governor.

“Some of my supporters have been asking me where they stand. I am telling you clearly, the governor is one. The governor is not two.

“Now that we have joined the party, are we not with the governor? There should be no division in APC. Let us do things together and work with the governor,” Suswam stated.

The former lawmaker further disclosed that his supporters who were previously in other political parties were now expected to formally register with the APC.

“Those of us who came from other parties are here to collect our membership cards. The governor will announce a date when we will be officially received into the party,” he said.

He emphasized that the event was for registration and not meant to mark a formal reception into the APC, noting that a larger ceremony would be held later in Makurdi.

“Today, we did not come for a ceremony of leaving another party. That is why you can see that the chairman is here, but he did not present me with the broom. When a date is fixed, we will go to Makurdi to be received by the governor,” Suswam said.

Calling on his followers to act swiftly, Suswam urged them to ensure their names were properly documented during the registration exercise.

“All my supporters should write their names and join APC. If you don’t write your name, you might miss out,” he warned.

He assured his supporters that he would work closely with the APC leadership in Logo Local Government to ensure a smooth formal reception into the party.