Madam Wandoo Terna, not real name, a 52-year old widow and mother of four pretty children 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, finds it hard to provide ample resources to cater for her four children. Recently, she came out boldly to speak on the poor governance in Benue state during a visit by a group of journalists to the state for a first-hand information on development projects executed by both the present and past administrations since Benue state was created in 1976.
Madam Wandoo Terna, as she is popularly known by residents of her locality in Makurdi, the state capital, was not only bothered about the poor governance of Benue state, but also strongly advocated power rotation among the three senatorial zones in the state with particular reference to the Idoma not, which is the second largest tribe in Benue state. Terna, who was explicit about her opinion, passionately suggested that Idoma ethnic group of Benue state should be given the chance to produce the next governor of Benue state. She predicated her opinion on the need to ensure equality, peaceful co-existence, and development of the state and it’s people.
Apart from Terna, many other detribalised, hardworking, God-fearing and humane indigenes of Tiv ethnic group of Benue state are on daily basis clamouring for power shift to Benue South Senatorial district which is predominantly Idoma ethnic nationality. Elder statesman, Wanteregh Paul Unongo, a Minister of Power and Steel during the second Republic, expressed the conviction that a governor of Benue state of Idoma extraction will not only bring rapid transformation to the state but will also give the Idoma a sense of belonging. This is based on the fact that the Idoma people have never occupied the number one seat of the state since it was created in 1976.
Unongo also believes Idoma have a lot of personalities with great intellect, skills, leadership prowess and resources to pilot the affairs of Benue state when given the chance to govern Benue state come 2023. Apart from Unongo, many Tiv elders have also lent their support for power shift to Idoma in 2023. However, for space brevity, I cannot highlight every comment in this article. In this connection, I will like to briefly bring to awareness one of Benue’s finest of Idoma extraction that is passionately indicating interest to succeed Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state. No doubt, some Benue indigenes that are not conversant or interested in politics and national issues may find the name of the aspirant strange.
Nevertheless, the name rings a bell for those in the academic and military circles in view of the aspirant’s father’s contributions to the peace, unity and rapid development of Nigeria. The aspirant’s tremendous achievements in the academia also stand as a trumpet in the hearts of many Nigerians, especially in Benue state. Professor Yakubu Ochefu was the deputy vice-chancellor of Benue State University and pioneer vice-chancellor of the Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba state. He is presently, the Secretary General, Nigeria Vice Chancellors Forum.
To say Professor Ochefu is eminently qualified to run for the number one position of Benue state come 2023, is more like demanding to know if Barak Obama has what it takes to govern Kenya, having governed America, the most powerful country in the world. In all ramifications, Professor Ochefu possesses sterling qualities to become the governor of Benue state. His detribalised nature as testified by many indigenes of Benue state even across political party lines, tribe, religions, etc, is second to none. A practical example was when he was appointed pioneer vice chancellor of Kwararafa Uinversity, it’s on record that many Tiv indigenes of Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states were granted admission ahead of their Idoma and Igede contemporaries. His human nature and relationship with people devoid of religion, politics, and ethnicity are major assets for rapid development of Benue state when he becomes the governor come 2023.
As vice-chancellor of Kawarara University, Professor Ochefu used his great leadership prowess to execute earthshaking projects ranging from human and infrastructural development that till date are still making positive impacts on the life of the sudents, the staff and the host community. For more on the leadership qualities of Professor Yakubu Ochefu that are making many people to pressurise him to run for the governorship of Benue state come 2023, watch out for my next edition.
Edache is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst and media consultant.
