2023: Gov Ortom’s CPS, Akase bows to pressure, set to join guber race

The 2023 Governoship contest Benue is getting hotter. Three political blocs according to findings are laying claims to be favoured to pick the converted seat when governor Samuel Ortom would have graciously bow out in obedience to the Nigeian constitution.

GrassrootsAfrica, findings indicated that while parts of the Benue North East Senatorial District ; Kwande and Jachira are dragging and laying claims to the seat, the Kwande bloc is of the argument that the emergence of Ortom from MINDA meant the complition of the vicious circle and hence in their oppinion the governorship ought to have returned to them .

The first civilian Governor of the state late Appolos Aper Aku who was elected as governor in,1979 and got reelected in 1983 hailed from the Kwande axis.

Jeichira on the other hand are holding that their son’s ternure (Moses Orshior Adasu) was trauncated by the military administration when Gen Sani Abacha sacked the then interim administration of Chief Enest Shonekan so they be allowed to produce the next Chief Executive for the state.

They argue further that Adasu did only 18 months in office been the major basis for the argument and claim for a Jechira’s Governoship. Those who belong to this school of thought are of the view that the same scenario replicated in other states such as Taraba, Kogi, Yobe and a host of others submitting that Jechira be graciously allowed a shot in the spirit of fairness.

On the other hand, the Benue South Senatorial District otherwise known as Zone C comprising mostly of the Idoma, Igede ethnic tribes argues that though they are minorities, they should equally be avered a sense of belonging by their Tiv Majority ethnic tribe in the state by conceding the position to them for the first time since the creation of the stste on 1976, in the spirit of brotherliness.

GrassrootsAfrica investigations revealed that even though it remains uncertain at the moment which of the blocs will produce the next governor of the state, there appears to be mounting pressure on the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom Terver Akase to gun for the converted seat.

Findings indicates that those who wants him to join the race see him as a dedicated servant who in their oppinion has served the governor well and should be allowed to step into the shoes of his boss.

This group comprised mostly of the young, Old and other critical stakeholders in the state who believe in the Adage that “a little Boy who washes his hands properly is allowed to dine with elders” This school of thought believed that Terver Akase has prepared himself very well to takeFedr over from his Boss in 2023.

Born over 4 decades ago, Akase a graduate of Mass Communication at the pristigious Benue state university, after working with the Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria was Appointed first as Senior Special assistance to the Governor, before he was elevated due to his selfless service as the Chief press secretary. He is loved by youth irrespective of Party differences they believed that he has potentials to improve on the existing efforts done by Former Governors. Confirming this position the acting APC publicity secretary James Ornguga has this to say on Akase.

“If all men had your kind of heart, the world would be a better place.
You were very dependable, caring and supportive throughout the time I worked under you”

“You see life beyond today and that is what truly makes you unique.
Though political barricade stands between us at the moment, you are truly a Boss.
Happy birthday, Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor. Ornguga posted.

Checks shows that even as a media handler to Ortom, Aksase always respond to issues on merit and stopped at that he does his job very professional, gentle with humility giving respect to elders, he hardly injure people on the strength of putting records straight on like other media handlers of his status. I think Terver Akase believe in tomorrow and life after Ortom in Government.

GrassrootsAfrica investigations observed that Aksase has always supported youth oriented projects especially those who are innovative, and creative he partronize and encourage youth in there fields of endeavour from Artist, Cubrora, authors, Publishers, Celebrities like reality show stars and just recently he ensured that the Benue state Government not just host the best graduating students in university of Calabar but his Boss Ortom gave them an automatic employment as reward for hardwork.

As one who also engages himself in humanitarian activities, Akese has uncontrollable pay rents, assist youth when they are sick, lost relatives as well as supported their businesses once his attention is drawn to such.

The former correspondence chapel Chairman in Rivers is also said to have on several occasions sponsored soccer tournaments in his Constituency and supported those who won as well as other participants. Such tournaments it was gathered have greatly reduced social vices in his community.

Though yet to make public his governorship ambition, Akase who represents the younger generation is viewed as a being an agent of transition between the old and younger generation of Benue politicians.

His rumoured ambition it was gathered has continued to receive acceptance and publicity especially among the youth at a point he may succumbed to pleasure and run for the 2023 Governoship

Political observers are of the opinion that should he throws in the towel, he will make an impressive showing having a great relationship with youth in both PDP and APC respectively this includes other critical stakeholders in Ortom’s Government who see Akase as the right choice to take over from his Boss.

Akases who hails from Agbeede from the Jechira political bloc, one of the blocs laying claims to the Benue’s plum job by 2023.

By Jerry Iorngaem