Friends Honour RMAFC Commissioner Steve Ugbah as He Rallies Support for President Tinubu and Governor Alia

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Federal Commissioner representing Benue State at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Prof. Steve Ugbah, has urged Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable them deliver meaningful leadership for the nation and the state.

Prof. Ugbah made the call in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, during a reception organized in his honour by friends and classmates.

He stressed the importance of supporting both federal and state governments, noting that Tinubu and Alia are implementing people-oriented policies.

Speaking glowingly about Governor Alia, Ugbah described him as “an independent-minded and intelligent leader.” He added:
“Initially, many underestimated him and thought he would be a pushover, but Governor Alia is not. He is a deep thinker, guided by what he believes is best for the people. For now, there is no alternative to his leadership in Benue State, and I support him 200%. Let’s give him a chance.”

Commending the governor’s ongoing projects across the state, Ugbah cited the flyover in Gboko, the underpass in Makurdi, and numerous road projects as evidence of capital-intensive works worthy of praise.
“I went to Gboko recently and almost didn’t recognize the place because of the flyover construction. In Makurdi, there’s an underpass; in Otukpo, roads previously impassable due to mud are now paved. It’s a gradual process,” he noted.

He appealed for patience and understanding, emphasizing that Governor Alia cannot satisfy everyone at once but is working in the best interest of the state.

On allegations of corruption against the governor, Ugbah urged critics to be factual and constructive in their approach.
“It’s good to criticize, but it must be based on solid facts. Let’s give our Governor and President a chance. They mean well. They cannot cover everything in two years, but they are listening. Hold leaders accountable, but do so in a civilized manner,” he advised.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and 2011 governorship aspirant also expressed gratitude to his classmates, their spouses, and friends for honouring him, describing the gesture as a symbol of enduring love and unity dating back to their school days.

Convener of the event, Prof. Simeon Ajegi, a Development Economics scholar at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, said the gathering was to celebrate Ugbah, a long-time friend and classmate.
“When Prof. Ugbah was appointed Federal Commissioner at RMAFC, we saw it not only as his honour but also for the state and his friends. That is why we decided to celebrate him,” Ajegi said.

He further described Ugbah as “the best governor Benue never had,” praying for God to bless him with wisdom, patience, and strength to discharge his duties effectively for the benefit of Benue State and Nigeria.

Other speakers at the event, including Engr. Okpe Onah (former Commissioner for Inter Affairs and Boundary), Hon. Denis Dzawua (Special Adviser to the Governor on Government Liaison), John Tsua (former BSIEC Chairman), Ambassador Timothy Malu of United Helping Hands for Better Tomorrow, and Emmanuel Agbegir (a retired federal director), all expressed confidence in Ugbah’s ability to deliver and wished him success in his assignment.