The people of Benue South Senatorial District have called on the major political parties in the state to cede the Benue State 2023 governorship position to their area in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice just as they also called on Governor Samuel Ortom to lead the charge in appealing to the people of Zones A and B to allow them the chance to govern the state.
These were some of the highlights of the courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom today at the Benue Peoples’ House, Makurdi by the people of Benue South Senatorial District under the aegis of the Benue Rebirth Movement.
Speaking, the National Coordinator of the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), AVM Monday Morgan (rtd) said the Idoma, Igede, Ufia and Akweya people of Zone C, who have never tasted the opportunity to govern the state desire the opportunity to do so, being eminently qualified and prepared for the job.
He said that after all the 5 Tiv geopolitical blocks have held the position of the governorship of the state, most of them for 8 years each, it was only proper and fair that the Idoma and Igede people be also allowed to preside over the affairs of the state.
In his response, Governor Samuel Ortom paid glowing tribute to the people of Zone C for their contributions to the success of his administration, singling out his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu, who he described as a loyal, dependable and supportive deputy that he trusts with major assignments.
He said he identifies with the aspirations of people of the zone and notes that the Idoma and Igede people are qualified to hold the position. He however called on them to reach out to more people in Zones A and B, as he, alone can not make anyone the governor of the state.
He said that all the ethnic groups in the state have a responsibility to work together in the pursuit of the common good of the Benue people, explaining that God has placed them together to work together in the interest of all and sundry.
Governor Ortom, who emphasised the need for prayers in knowing God’s direction on the matter enthused that the aspirations of the Benue South people would be better realised if the major parties zone the governorship position to Benue South senatorial district.
He stated that at the appropriate time, the PDP would target the emergence of a consensus candidate and that where no consensus candidate emerges, there shall be a fair and transparent primaries to decide the governorship candidate.
There were goodwill messages from Gen. Harrison Adoga (rtd), who spoke on behalf of the League of Idoma Generals, Prof. Owoicho Akpa, who spoke for the League of Idoma professors; Chief Comfort Agogo, who spoke for women and the Igede nation; Chief George Alli, for the 9 council chairmen; Comrade Gideon Obande for youths; and Senator Abba Moro.
The state chairmen of the two major political parties, PDP and APC, Sir John Ngbede and Comrade Abba Yaro all spoke, aligning themselves with the aspirations of the people of Benue South Senatorial District.
