Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the Benue people for their peaceful conduct and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates during the Saturday local government elections.

Mr Alia gave the commendation in a statement by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Sunday in Makurdi, the state capital.

The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has declared APC winner of all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats.

Mr Alia, in the statement, described the outcome of the elections as a reflection of the maturity of the Benue people to engage in a democratic process with respect and dignity.

The governor commended the people for upholding peace and unity, which were critical to the progress of the state.

“Your commitment to exercising your franchise in a peaceful and civil manner is commendable and reflects the maturity of our democracy.

“The successful conduct of these elections, free from violence, is a testament to our collective resolve to uphold the values of peace and unity that are fundamental to our progress as a state.

“I am proud to see our citizens trooping out to make their voices heard, demonstrating that we can engage in the democratic process with respect and dignity,” he said.

Mr Alia emphasised the support given to the APC candidates as an indication that the people of the state appreciate his vision to take the state to more enviable heights.

The governor assured that his administration was ready to continue to deliver on the terms of the social contract he has in place with the people of the state.

He further promised to build a prosperous Benue where every citizen would have the opportunity to thrive.

Mr Alia congratulated the winners for their victories and urged those who lost to join hands with the winners and his administration to move the state forward.

(NAN)