Ochefu In Guber Race To Redefine Leadership In Benue State

By: Ekpo Edache

Madam Wandoo Terna, though not a real name, a 52years old widow and mother of four pretty kids from Igbor in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State who due to poor governance in Benue State since the advent of Democracy in 1999, find it hard to provide ample resources to carter for her four children, came out boldly to speak her minds on poor governance in Benue State during one of the recent visit by group of journalist to Benue State for a first-hand information on development projects executed by both the present and past Administration since Benue State was created in 1976. Madam Wandoo Terna as she is popularly known by both the elders and the able bodied men within the locality where she resides in Makurdi,the headquarter of Benue State, wasn’t only bothered about the poor governance of the State, on the other hand, strongly advocate for power rotations within the three Senatorial zones in Benue State with Particular reference to the Idoma Nation people of the state that happens to be the second largest tribe in the State. According to Madam Wandoo Terna who was explicitabout her opinion, passionately and bluntly suggested that; Idoma ethnic group of Benue State should giving the chance to produce the next Executive Governor of Benue State. She base her opinion on the ground to ensure equality, peaceful co-existence, peace and development among every indigene of the state.

Apart from Madam Wandoo Terna, many other detribalized, hardworking, Godf-earing and humane indigene of Tiv Ethnic group of Benue State are on daily basis clamoring for power change to Benue South Senatorial district which is predominantly dominated by Idoma Ethnic group of Benue State. For an elder states-man, Wanteregh Paul Unongo, a onetime Honorable Minister for Power and Steel during the second Republic; he is of the critical and factual view that; Benue State Governor of Idoma extraction will not only bring rapid transformation to the State but; will as well give the Idoma Ethnic group a sense of belonging in assessment of the fact that the Idoma people of Benue State has never occupied the number one Executive sit of the State since it was created in 1976. Unongo also believes Idoma ethnicity of Benue state have a lot of personalities that are highly encumbered with great intellect, skills, leadership prowess and as well as resources to pilot the affairs of the State when they are giving the chance to become the Executive Governor of Benue State come 2023. Apart from Elder Wanteregh Paul Unongo, so many elders of Tiv ethnic group of Benue State also lend their supports for the year 2023 Benue State Governor of Idoma extraction. However, for space brevity, I could not be able to highlights their comments in this timely article. In this connection, I will like to briefly bring to the awareness of one of the Benue finest of Idoma extraction that is also passionately showing interest to become the next Executive Governor of Benue State. No doubt; some Benue indigene that are not conversant or interested in politics and national issues, may find the name of the aspirant strange, nevertheless, those who are in the academic circle and Military, will sees the name as a ringing bell in view of the aspirant biological father’s contribution towards the peace, unity and rapid development of Nigeria. The aspirant humongous achievements in the academic field especially in the higher institution arena also stand as a trumpet in the heart of so many Nigerians and especially Nigerians from Benue State that have gone through Benue State University and Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State. I am talking about Professor Yakubu Ochefu, onetime Deputy Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, else Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State and; present Secretary General Nigeria Vice Chancellor Forum. To say Professor Yakubu Ochefu is ably qualified to run for the number one Executive position of Benue State come 2023, is more like demanding to know whether Barak Obama has what it takes to govern Kenya, haven govern USA the most powerful country on the planet earth. Indeed and in all sense, Professor Yakubu Oachefu is competent and not just competent but as well possess sterling qualities to become the next Executive Governor of Benue State. His detribalized lifestyles as greatly testified by many indigene of Benue state even across political party lines, tribes, religions etc, is second to none. A practical example was when he was appointed as pioneer Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa Uinversity Wukari Taraba State, it’s on record that many Tiv indigene of both Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa State were highly consider for Admission ahead of their Idoma and Iagede contemporaries. His human nature and relationship with people devoid of religions, political party affiliations, parental background and ethnicity also serves as great assets for rapid development of Benue State when he becomes the Executive Governor of Benue State come 2023. Professor Ochefu during his time as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Kawarara University, used his great leadership prowess that he is well known for to execute unimaginable earthshaking projects ranging from human and infrastructural development that till date are still making positive impacts on the life of the University Students, the staff and the host community.  For more on the great leadership qualities of Professor Yakubu Ochefu that is making so many people to pressurize him to run for the Executive Governorship position of Benue State come 2023, watch out for my next edition.

Composed by: Ekpo Edache, an Abuja base Public affairs Analyst and Media Consultant.