Nigerian Concord Newspaper
A frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2027 elections in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has kicked against the Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Commission Bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly, describing the legislation as a veiled land-grabbing move.
Chief Aondoakaa who was addressing stakeholders of the PDP from the Jechira bloc, comprising Vandeikya and Konshisha, on Tuesday, questioned the rationale behind the new law, particularly in the light of what he described as the abandonment of the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law enacted by the previous administration in 2017.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation argued that, instead of strengthening existing laws designed to protect agrarian communities, the current administration under Governor Hyacinth Alia is bent on introducing policies that could dispose people of their ancestral lands.
According to him, the new commission, if not properly scrutinised, may serve as a legal instrument for the acquisition and control of community lands under the guise of resource development.
“This law raises serious concerns. At a time when our people are still grappling with issues of land security, the government should not be seen to be enacting policies that could further expose them to dispossession,” Chief Aondoakaa said.
While appealing for the support of stakeholders ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Chief Aondoakaa described Jechira as his second home, assuring the people that he would carry them along and consistently consult them in tackling the challenges facing the state.
He emphasised that although their son currently occupies the seat, it is crucial to prioritize competence above all other considerations in rescuing Benue State from its current difficulties, particularly worsening insecurity.
In his response, the leader of the Jechira PDP, Dr. Saawuan Tarnongu, apologized to the people of Benue State for what he described as a wrong choice in 2023. He urged Aondoakaa to carry out wide consultations, commending his plans for the state, and wished him well.
Similarly, the State Secretary of the PDP in Benue State, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, alongside the G14 leader in Vandeikya, Hon. Bemgba Chia and that of Konshisha, Hon. Ortese Kpev, acknowledged that while their sons are also in the race to correct past mistakes, leadership ultimately comes from God.
Others who spoke, including Hon. Shimawua Azaigba, PDP Chairman for Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Usaa Igba, and PDP Chairman for Konshisha LGA, Hon. Gwaza Ane, expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s competence and capacity to restore peace, drive development, and ensure stability in Benue State. They also commended him for taking the bold step to contest the 2027 governorship on the platform of the PDP.