Comrade Songu Rodney, popularly known as Tino, has dismissed claims by individuals presenting themselves as the Central Youth Leader in Benue State, insisting that he remains the duly appointed holder of the position.
Songu explained that the Central Youth body is not a political party structure but one that coordinates and promotes the interests of young people across party lines in the state. He stated that he continues to occupy the office to which he was appointed and urged the public to disregard those falsely laying claim to it.
According to him, he was personally appointed by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia on December 24, 2024, with the mandate to mobilise and unite youths across the state irrespective of political affiliation. “I was personally appointed by His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on December 24, 2024, as the Central Youth Leader. I remain the Central Youth Leader because no one has been appointed to replace me. Those going about introducing themselves as Central Youth Leader should desist, as such claims are false and misleading,” he said.
He reiterated his undivided support and loyalty to Governor Alia, describing the governor as a leader committed to youth development and inclusive governance. “My support for Governor Hyacinth Alia remains total and unwavering. I stand firmly with his administration because of its commitment to the development of Benue State and the empowerment of young people,” Songu added.
Following his appointment, he embarked on extensive grassroots mobilisation across the entire state, reaching youths in all 276 council wards spread across the 23 local government areas. The exercise, he said, strengthened youth participation, promoted unity among young people from different political and social backgrounds, and created a stronger platform for youth engagement in the development of the state.
Songu therefore urged members of the public to ignore anyone falsely claiming the position of Central Youth Leader, stressing that only the appropriate authority can announce any change in leadership. He also called on youths across Benue State to remain peaceful, united and supportive of Governor Alia’s administration, assuring them that the Central Youth body would continue to champion programmes and initiatives that advance the welfare and aspirations of young people across the state.
