Akase unveils manifesto, pledges to be Gov for all

Prominent Peoples Democratic Party, PDP 2023 governorship aspirant in Benue State, Mr Terver Akase Friday unveiled his manifesto christened ‘BENUE’ S-WEALTH Template’, stating that he has made himself available to be trusted with the people’s mandate to further contribute to the development of the State.

“If given the mandate to lead the State in 2023, I will be your Governor, no matter where you come from; no matter which language you speak, which religion you belong to, or which political party you support. God did not make a mistake when He brought us together as Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Jukun and several other ethnic groups to make up a state called Benue. This state has given us so much. It is therefore incumbent on us to give our best to the state.

“For us to achieve that, we must begin to see what affects us as our collective problem. We must begin to see every challenge facing us as a Benue problem and not a Zone A, B or C problem. I address you today with the confidence that with God on our side and with your support, I will succeed,” Akase said.

The unveiling of the manifesto and campaign website, featured the commissioning of the Terver Akase Governorship Organization corporate headquarters in Makurdi, as hundreds of supporters comprising, youths, women, students, motorcycle riders, people living with disabilities, party men and women, staged a road procession in solidarity with the guber aspiration of Akase.

Presenting his manifesto Akase said “my vision for Benue State as encapsulated in the BENUE’ S-WEALTH Template represents the governance pillars of security, wealth and job creation, education, agriculture, economy, land reforms and infrastructure, technology and health. These core pillars will guide our administration to drive the implementation of this vision for the common good of Benue people, if I am entrusted with the mandate to govern come 2023.”

Akase saluted past and serving leaders of the State, noting that they rendered patriotic leadership service towards laying a foundation for Benue. He lauded Governor Samuel Ortom’s passion for turning around the fortunes of the State to achieve socio-economic transformation, acknowledging that his appointment by the Governor enabled him to study and understand the workings of government.

Speaking on the pillars in his manifesto, Akase stated that he would develop and implement a Benue State security policy and strategy in consultation with experts, fast-track the establishment of Benue Information Technology Development Agency to harness opportunities in the ICT sub-sector to create jobs for the youths.

“We will provide standard infrastructure and well-furnished classroom buildings and offices for teachers in primary and secondary schools to enhance academic performance. We will encourage timely promotion and payment of teachers in order to motivate them to work harder. I will approve the recruitment of teachers in order to tackle the shortfall of teachers in primary and secondary schools.”

Speaking on agriculture Akase stated that “we will go into partnership with the private sector to establish Integrated Model Farms (IMFs) including Green Houses in the three senatorial districts of the State, with a view to increasing food production towards guaranteeing food security for the State and reinforcing an agro-driven economy. The farms will also serve as training and demonstration institutes to provide technical support and knowledge transfer to farmers on proper farming practices that yield good harvest.”

Elder Omo Lele, Hon. Godwin Ayihe, Hon. Sylvanus Okala who gave separate goodwill messages for Zones A, B and C respectively, all attested to the credibility of Akase to govern the State and prayed for success of his aspiration, while a former member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Shimawua Azaigba who performed the commissioning ceremony described Akase as a tested and trusted young man who would make Benue people proud if elected.

Earlier, the Director General of Terver Akase Governorship Campaign Organization, Engr Conrad Utaan had called on Benue people to elect Akase who he noted has all it takes to offer people-oriented leadership.

Comrade Terrence Kuanum, Mr Grace Kpekula and Samson Mbaunenge also gave goodwill messages on behalf of the youth, women and students respectively, while a support group called the Friends of Terver Akase, FOTA, dressed the guber aspirant and his wife in Benue unity traditional attires. Several folk singers, Arts Council Troupe and other entertainers also rendered songs of solidarity at the occasion.