The Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has assured people of the state that though a priest, he would not use God’s name in his present office for propaganda as done in the past by others.

Alia, who gave the assurance while addressing a group of Christian community, emphasised that his journey from the pulpit to public service has given him a strong reminder that the gospel could be most convincingly preached through acts of service to humanity than propaganda.

The governor, who quoted the book of James 2:18 during his address to the people in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, yesterday in Makurdi, said he has demonstrated with his two and half years in office that Christian ministry is not limited to sermons on the pulpit but is also deeply rooted in fulfilling covenants and meeting peoples’ basic needs.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to work quietly delivering results that speak louder than propaganda, despite calculated evil mechanisation from the opposition elements, promising never to use God’s name for legitimacy, influence or emotional appeal but insisted that his physical impact of development projects would always do the talking.

The governor also explained that the fulfilment of his second contract with Benue people might not come with the expected noise required by the opposition but argued that his achievements which speak for themselves and have undeniable effects are long-lasting.

He stated that as a cleric, he has anchored his administration on compassion, community development and responsible governance which he noted has epitomised Christ instruction in Matthew 5:16 which teaches people to allow their light shine before men for them to see their good works to glorify the Father in heaven.

The governor disclosed that his intention to prioritise social welfare, restore dignity to public institutions, work force and to champion policies that uplift the vulnerable should be seen as deliberate policies aimed at translating practically spiritual values into tangible results, arguing that these acts of service does not only strengthen the society but also inspire others to serve and to demonstrate that leadership that is anchored in faith could transform lives.

Alia who described leadership by example as one of the highest forms of evangelism also revealed that faith-driven leadership could illuminate a path of hope, humility and collective progress for the state, stressing that his leadership as a cleric should imply that preaching the gospel is most impactful when what is preached is lived out practically.

On why his much commitment to work as governor, the cleric said he developed a thick skin on assumption of office having discovered that the food basket was not only broken and needed amendments but required complete renewal.

He admitted that he was aware the task to govern Benue would be herculean yet he accepted it, pointing out that on assumption of office he found a situation that was even more deplorable than he had imagined, which according to him required giving his sweat, and utmost sacrifice.

The governor, who said the process of fixing the state is still on going, assured that he would continue to do that to the end of his second term, promising to give his soul for development of the state.