From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
A coalition of Kunav Governorship aspirants under different political parties have passionately appealed to the Federal Government, Security agencies, Humanitarian partners and the International community to intensify support for Benue State particularly for displaced persons and communities vulnerable to attack.
The aspirants who addressed a press conference on Friday in Makurdi, said that Benue State has remained home to one the largest Internally displaced persons’ population with many of them living without adequate shelter, regular food support, medical care, protection and a clear resettlement plan.
They said despite significant financial inflows from Federal and international partners, Humanitarian neglect which is not a political problem has rather been a constitutional failure, stressing that the Constitution section 17(3) obligates government to ensure adequate welfare for the vulnerable even as such obligation had not been met.
The Kunav Governorship aspirants comprising Prof Dennis Ityavyar, Hon Joseph Waya, Prof Paul Angya, Prof Terhemba Shija, Rt Hon Dominic Terkaa Ucha and Godwin Ityoachimin while reflecting on Benue State at 50, noted that it has been shaped by leaders like Aper Aku first civilian governor of the State, Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu Sen George Akume, Rt Hon Gabriel Suswam and Chief Samuel Ortom who despite their imperfections, shared a common understanding that governance must serve the people and they upheld the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They opined that these administrations reflected a leadership ethos grounded in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of governance.
However, they regretted that the State is experiencing economic decline and institutional weakness presently, observing that despite abundant natural and human resources, the State still lags behind amongst economically competitive states in Nigeria, averring too that in 2024, the State generated over 20.43 billion naira as internally generated revenue representing 0.56 percent of the national sub-nationals revenue-a performance inconsistent with her agricultural potentials and land assets.
They said, “over the same period more than 400 billion naira flowed to the state from the Federation Allocation Account yet salaries remain irregular, Ministries operate below capacity, overheads go unpaid infrasturcture decays, public accounts lack transparency and no coherent development plan exist.
“There is also, lack of development strategy, security breakdown resulting in frequents attacks, the recent in Abande Community market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area where 17 persons including a mobile police officer were killed, dozens injured, homes, stalls and property burnt families displaced and livelihood destroyed.
“There is a recurring gap patten of violence, divisive rhetoric as well as return of intimidation.
“Our intention is not to attack personalities, it is to defend constitutional values and the future of Benue State. Benue deserves security, transparency, peace, economic transformation, respect for constitutional rights and leadership that united, not divide.
“We firmly believe they by 2027, a new path will emerge-one grounded in inclusion, fairness, responsibility and genuine commitment to the welfare of all Benue people”.
