Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has promised not to interfere with the activities of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) as they conduct local government elections.

Mr Alia made the promise on Wednesday in Gboko during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off for the October 5th local government elections.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, promised a level playing field for all political parties to test their popularity.

He urged APC stakeholders and supporters to work hard and ensure the party’s victory.

Mr Alia handed over 23 flags to the APC chairmanship candidates and their deputies and charged them to work for their people when elected.

Benjamin Omale, APC state caretaker committee chairman, said the committee was working assiduously to address the concerns of aggrieved aspirants.

Mr Omale said the committee’s efforts were instrumental in fostering unity and understanding within the party.

The chairman urged party supporters to come out en masse on election day and vote for all candidates of the APC for better service delivery and for the general good of the people.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, the national chairman of APC, and the working committee for their support in bringing peace to Benue APC and the constitution of the unity caretaker committee.

Sen. Joseph Akaagerger expressed goodwill, stating that the entire people of Zone A were fully behind the governor and would return all the APC candidates.

Emmanuel Jime, who spoke on behalf of Zone B, said that the masses elected Mr Alia, and that is why he is working for them.

Mr Jime added that the governor was only doing what the electorate asked him to do by executing people-oriented projects and building human capacity.

He urged the local government chairmanship candidates to ensure that they replicate the governor’s style of administration at the grassroots.

Nelson Alapa, who spoke for the people of Zone C, said they were solidly behind the governor to succeed.

Mr Alapa further advised the candidates to be very careful while in office, saying that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was opening more cells to detain corrupt individuals.

He said the governor was not going to anoint anyone; therefore, they must campaign vigorously to win at the polls.

James Orgunga, APC state organising secretary, stated that the party fielded candidates in all chairmanship and councillorship positions for the election.

Mr Orgunga confirmed that the party was fully prepared for the election.

(NAN)