Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has promised to restore the dignity and recognition of traditional leaders, especially tax collectors (Tor Kpande), in the state, assuring that his administration will improve their welfare and strengthen their role in grassroots governance.
Aondoakaa made the commitment in Agasha, Guma Local Government Area, where he joined the immediate past Governor of Benue State and PDP leader, Chief Samuel Ortom, as Ortom formally presented his wife and PDP Senatorial Candidate for Benue North-West, Dr Mrs Eunice Ortom, to his Nongov kinsmen.
Speaking to the people, Aondoakaa acknowledged the significant role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace, preserving culture, resolving communal disputes and mobilizing communities for development.
He pledged that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would accord traditional rulers the dignity, recognition and institutional support they deserve, while prioritising their welfare.
He further promised to strengthen and reinvigorate the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law enacted by the Ortom administration, stressing that the protection of Benue land and the safety of its people would remain central to his government.
The PDP candidate also expressed appreciation to the Nongov people for their steadfast support for their son, Chief Samuel Ortom, and his family over the years. He urged them to sustain the same spirit of solidarity and extend their support to PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He therefore called on the people of Nongov and the wider Guma community to unite behind Dr Mrs Eunice Ortom for the Benue North-West Senatorial District, himself as the PDP governorship candidate, and all other PDP candidates, describing the 2027 election as an opportunity for Benue people to choose leaders who will protect their land, promote unity and restore good governance.
Earlier, the people of Kwenev in Kaambe Council Ward, the maternal home of Chief Samuel Ortom, offered their blessings to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate for Benue North-West, Dr. Eunice Ortom.
The gesture came as Dr. Eunice Ortom, on her way to interface with the Nongov people, made a brief stop at Kwenev to honour the invitation of her husband’s maternal kinsmen, led by Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State and in company of Chief Mike Aondoakaa, SAN, the PDP governorship candidate, and Dr. Emmanuel Shior, the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
Receiving the entourage, Hon. Frank Usa’adi said it was important for the people to perform the traditional rite, considering that Kwenev is the maternal home of Chief Ortom and the significance attached to blessings from one’s maternal kinsmen.
He prayed that the blessings would remain with Dr. Eunice Ortom and contribute to her success in the forthcoming election to represent the people of Benue North-West Senatorial District.
Responding, Chief Samuel Ortom appreciated his maternal home for the honour accorded him and his wife. He expressed confidence that the blessing would yield positive results for Dr. Eunice Ortom, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, SAN, Dr. Emmanuel Shior and other candidates of the party.
Also speaking, Dr. Eunice Ortom thanked the people of Kwenev for their consistent support for her husband through prayers and blessings, which she said had contributed to his journey and achievements in public service.
She expressed optimism that the tradition of support would continue as they enter another electoral season.
In a similar vein, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, SAN, commended the people for the affection they had continued to show Chief Ortom. He assured them of his loyalty to the former governor, promising to build on his footprints and bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people if elected Governor of Benue State.
Dr. Emmanuel Shior, who also spoke on his maternal connection with the Nongov people, acknowledged the significant role his maternal kinsmen have played in his life, particularly through his relationship with Chief Samuel Ortom.
He pledged to remain loyal to the people and solicited their continued support as he seeks to secure the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.