....Backs the Push for Zone A Senate Seat
By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
A frontline political group, the Kwande All Progressives Congress (APC) Critical Stakeholders based in Makurdi have pledged to unite in pursuit of returning the Benue North East (Zone A) senatorial seat to Kwande, as political consultations ahead of the forthcoming elections intensify.
The meeting, convened by Hon. Simon Tordue, provided a platform for frontline APC stalwart, Douglas Terkura Pepe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to formally inform the party leaders and stakeholders of his intention to contest for the senatorial ticket for Zone A.
Addressing the gathering, Pepe disclosed that he had already undertaken extensive consultations with his immediate constituents and traditional political blocs within Kwande, who have endorsed his aspiration and encouraged him to extend his consultations across the entire senatorial district.
According to him, the stakeholders remain an integral part of the political structure of the area and possess a decisive voice in shaping the political direction of Zone A.
“I have come to seek your support and blessings as I step forward to contest for the senatorial ticket. Zone A is a versatile constituency with diverse opinions and many notable personalities who are equally qualified. However, with unity and your backing, I believe we can achieve this collective aspiration,” Pepe said.
He urged the stakeholders to rally support for his aspiration, stressing that the senatorial race would require collective commitment from leaders and grassroots mobilisers across the zone and he found the group worthy to be his launching pad.
In his remarks, the Convener and Chairman of the stakeholders’ group, Hon. Simon Tordue Nomanyam, emphasised the historical and political significance of the senatorial seat to Kwande Local Government.
Hon. Nomanyam maintained that Kwande had played a pivotal role in the growth of the APC and the broader development of Benue State, insisting that the area deserved to reclaim the position.
“The Senate seat returning to Kwande is our birthright. Kwande will never play second fiddle in Benue politics because the local government has contributed immensely to the advancement of the party and the development of the state,” he said.
On his part, Prof. Gberindyer of the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, observed that several political permutations were already emerging ahead of the senatorial race.
He encouraged Pepe to remain steadfast in his aspiration, noting that the Senate remains a critical platform for lawmaking capable of strengthening democratic governance, peace and order in the country.
“There are many permutations in the political space, but you should continue with your consultations and preparations. The Senate is an important institution for enacting laws that promote order, peace and good governance,” he stated.
Also speaking, Hon. Terver Kachina traced the emergence of the stakeholders’ platform to an earlier political briefing sponsored by the honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy in Benue state, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, during which participants unanimously resolved that Kwande should regain the Zone A senatorial seat while the Jechira block retains the gubernatorial position under His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
He noted that the meeting had produced a consensus that Mr. Pepe possesses the credentials and political experience required to effectively represent the zone in the Senate.
Barrister Terumbur Nyiatagher stressed that all political blocs and communities within Kwande were determined to restore the area’s pride of place in the political landscape of Benue North East.
While expressing support for the aspiration, he called for unity of purpose among all aspirants from the local government, urging them to pursue the collective interest of Kwande above individual ambitions.
Mr. Charles Ikima, in his contribution, described Pepe’s consultation with the stakeholders as a wise and strategic step.
Ikima noted that the aspiration had already received the endorsement of critical political actors within Kwande and urged Pepe to vigorously pursue the senatorial ticket.
He thanked the aspirant for formally approaching the group to unveil his plans, stressing that the stakeholders present were individuals with commanding voices and influence across the political landscape of the area.
Also speaking, Bishop Yachiga and Mr. Ombayugh expressed strong support for Pepe’s aspiration, insisting that the time had come for Kwande to reclaim the senatorial seat.
They argued that the local government had for too long “loaned” the position to other parts of the district and called for collective determination to ensure that the seat returns to Kwande.
The cleric further assured Pepe of prayers and moral support from the faith community and stakeholders who desire greater political representation for the area.
Similarly, Comrade Jumpa Terwase told the aspirant that the stakeholders resolved to close ranks and work together to ensure that a son of Kwande emerges as the next senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
