NDC Holds Major Unveiling Rally
in Benue, Vows to Take Over State
From our Correspondent
MAKURDI – The Benue chapter of the National Democratic Congress has unveiled its candidates for next year’s general elections with a large rally in Makurdi, vowing to take over the reins of governance from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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The ceremony, held at the party’s gubernatorial office along the Makurdi-Apir federal highway, drew a large crowd of supporters and support groups from across the state’s 23 local government areas. Organizers described it as one of the biggest opposition gatherings in the state in recent times, with attendees spilling onto the highway. It was preceded by a convoy of over a thousand vehicles which moved from the Judges Quarters residence of the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, through the state capital to the venue under police escort.
The unveiling comes amid heightened political tension in the state. The Benue NDC has accused the administration of Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia of intimidation since the party’s emergence in the state earlier this year.
It alleged that the administration had on two occasions mobilized thugs to stop the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from visiting Yelewata community where over 200 people were killed last year, and that it recently directed authorities in Vandeikya Local Government Area to stop a consultative visit by its governorship candidate, a directive which was not enforced following clearance from the state police command and other security agencies.
Addressing supporters at the venue, Prof. Shija expressed surprise at the turnout, particularly by women and youth groups, and described the NDC as the latest entrant in Nigeria’s political space. He said the party’s philosophy is anchored on generational change in leadership, empowerment of women and the underprivileged, and fairness to all constituent groups.
Shija reiterated his earlier pledge that his administration would be a four-year corrective one, after which he would hand over to his deputy, Dr. Raymond Edoh, to shift power to Benue’s Zone C, the Idoma-speaking area. He said the arrangement is intended to ensure a logical transfer of power, end political marginalization and reduce ethnic tension.
On security and humanitarian issues, Shija lamented that a large population of Benue farmers remain in Internally Displaced Persons camps, describing the situation as unacceptable. He pledged that full implementation of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law of 2017 would be a priority of his administration, stating that his government would abolish IDP camps and end what he described as a situation where human beings are ranched while animals roam freely. He added that his administration would implement the law irrespective of whose interests are affected, noting that it remains a valid law passed by the State House of Assembly.
He also decried what he described as the influx of unqualified contractors into the state under the current administration, which he said has led to capital flight, and promised to reverse the trend.
In his remarks, Dr. Edoh said he had agreed to serve as deputy after interactions with Shija convinced him that they share a common vision for the state’s transformation. He urged youths in the state to prepare to take over leadership and to cooperate with the incoming administration.
Also speaking at the event, former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Rebecca Aperzan, said she had come out of political retirement to join the NDC because of the calibre of politicians in the party. She testified to Shija’s leadership qualities, recalling that she, Shija and the NDC’s deputy presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were members of the House in 1992. She said that with Shija as governor and Kwankwaso as vice president, Benue would have a vital link at the centre that would aid the state’s economic recovery and development.
Other candidates and stakeholders at the ceremony restated their commitment to the party’s bid to rescue the state and the country from poverty and underdevelopment.
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