Benue Governorship: Aondoakaa Declares Intention to Jemgbah, Extols Akume’s Qualities
Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN,
21st March, 2022 –
The foremost governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has declared to Jemgbah, his intention to contest for the Benue State Governorship poll come 2023.
Aondoakaa made his desire known to the elders, APC LG Executive Committees (EXCOs) and youths of the party in Jemgbah, comprising Buruku, Gboko and Tarka LGAs of Benue State at three locations in Gboko as customary.
During his presentation, Aondoakaa extolled the qualities of the leader of the party in the state, Sen. Dr George Akume, stating that his uncommon nature which accomodates everybody regardless of age, gender and status was rare and worthy of emulation.
The former Minister of Justice disclosed that Jemgbah is strategic in determining his Governorship ambition as his maternal place, pointing out that without the support of the bloc, his aspiration would amount to wishful thinking.
“I know what your support means to any aspirant in the state. Support me to prove to you that the first son in Tiv land belongs to his maternal people. Support me if you wish for a governor that will not drag your son, Sen. Dr George Akume to the mud. I make bold to say that I am the safest hand to be entrusted with the seat,” he averred.
Aondoakaa charged the elders to consider keenly the antecedents of all aspirants, citing over 424 jobs he created as Minister in two years and seven months, his loyalty to late President Yar’adua till his death and not compromising his resolve to be used against any Benue son, especially Sen. Akume when he was Minister of Justice.
While calling on the people of the state to support Akume’s bid to become APC National Chairman, Aondoakaa bewailed over the growing politics of envy and bitterness amongst the elite in the state, saying:
“What is wrong if we have two National Chairmen of major political parties in our state and one of them eventually forms government at the centre? It will serve us better if Sen Akume emerges the National Chairman of our party. It is unfortunate that, instead of supporting our own, we rather attack and plan to destroy those we are sure we could trust with leadership.
“It is the same thing I am facing today. Instead of people presenting their score cards as aspirants, they have resorted to attacks by sponsoring falsehood against me with abnoxious claims that I have been barred from occupying public office for life. Meanwhile, even a convicted criminal, according to the Constitution, can not be barred from holding public office after 10years. I have the judgement with me and I understand law enough to know my limit. I wouldn’t be wasting my time if I didn’t know the law,” he posited.
Earlier on, Aondoakaa was presented to the elders of Jemgbah by his kinsmen led by Chief Major J.O Mayange (Rtd), who pleaded with the elders to bless and support his ambition.
Among the kinsmen who spoke, Hon. Terngu Shawon, Elders Doodi Inji, Alfred Tyokase, all said that Aondoakaa was prepared to serve the state and itching to bring honour to everyone to state with rapid development.
Responding, the President General Jemgbah Elders’ forum, Chief Haa Orpin among others, extolled the pedigree and qualities of the learned silk, noting that all that had been said about him were true and verifiable.
Elder Orpin said on behalf of the elders forum, he was happy for Aondoakaa to muster the courage and time to meet the people of Jemgbah, saying: “You have already distinguished yourself as a true son of Jemgbah. We commend you for being grateful to Sen. George Akume and acknowledging that he helped you in life unlike others. We are also grateful to you for refusing to be used against him, instead you thwarted all plans of bringing him down. We are in agreement and we charge you to continue to speak widely with courage to woo people with truth and facts,” the president General said.
In a related development, the governorship hopeful also hinted the mammoth gathering of party EXCOs and youths of Jemgbah of his long-standing relationship with them, revealing that he spent most of his youthful years in Gboko, invested in the town and empowered people in the area.
He called on them to have strong bargains before all aspirants and settle only for people they are convinced would provide opportunities for them to excel as the strength and future of the state.
The former Chief law officer of Nigeria also disclosed that he recognized the fact that he was not alone in the race for the APC gubernatorial ticket, but strongly believes he is their best choice to wipe the tears of Jemgbah since their Sen. George Akume left government house.
Party stakeholders in the state from Jemgbah such as Chief Mrs Becky Orpin, Hon. Abua Yaji, the State APC Women leaders, Princess Awuese Torhee, the State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun among others witnessed the event.
The high point was prayers of decrees offered for the success of the aspirant by elders, party EXCOs and youths in Jemgbah.
©Dam Obed, Director of Media and Publicity
