Benue 2023: Why Terver Akase will shock other contestants [Opinion]

By Denen Achusah

Others did not doubt. But no, there would always be the doubting ones. And the eyes of the doubting ones became clear, when on 30th September, 2021, Terver Akase, then Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, turned in his resignation letter.

His ambition is to take the lead as Benue State Governor in 2023. So, in compliance with the directive of his principal that all appointees interested in 2023 should resign, Akase resigned to pursue his gubernatorial ambition.

On Friday, 25th February, 2022, Akase unveiled his plan for Benue State: The Benue People’s Project. Everything about Akase and his plan for the state is obtainable at terverakase.com.

The cardinal pillars of the Akase Benue People’s Project is as captured in the acronym S-WEALTH, which stands for:

S- Security
W- Wealth & Job Creation
E- Education
A- Agriculture & Economy
L- Land Reforms & Infrastructure
T- Technology
H- Health

The question critics are asking is, would Akase turn out to be Benue’s Volodymyr Zelensky?

When the Ukrainian President Zelensky, a comedian entered the Ukrainian political stage, some people dismissed him as a joke; they never took him serious as having no political experience.

Three years into his election, Zelensky is rallying Ukrainians, giving voice to Ukrainian anger and defiance of Russian aggression. Zelensky has shown that he is truly a commander in chief.

This is the courage and determination Akase has shown. His eyes are on service to the state. “I have joined the governorship race to seek the opportunity to further contribute to the development of our dear state,” Akase stated.

A cording to one critic, those questioning Akase, not on the basis of his job performance are not fair to the broadcast journalist. “Did Akase fail in his assignment, both in the civil service and as the Governor’s mouthpiece? To be fair to the young man, he did not fail in the discharge of his duties.

“And by the way, how many people ever imagined Zelensky will stay back and fight Putin? Akase will spring a surprise.”

And so, for those shouting youth o’clock, Akase is saying his’ is your project. In the words of the global Benue Youth Forum President, Terrence Kuanum, the young people cannot afford to miss this.