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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Governorship aspirant in Benue State in the forthcoming general elections, Engr. Peter Terwase Tortiv-Ato has pledged to provide the right leadership to stem the incessant security challenges bedeviling the state for sustainable development when he becomes Governor in 2027.
Ato who is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), made the pledge when he formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election before PDP stakeholders in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha Local Government Area.
He noted that Benue State has suffered prolonged insecurity and noted that the suspension of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law, one of the landmark achievements of the Samuel Ortom administration, has worsened the situation with growing numbers of Internally Displaced Persons across the State, a situation he described as unacceptable when a large number of productive farmers are denied access to their farmlands.
While noting that recent security challenges in the state have left many farmers and communities restless, he expressed confidence that with the right leadership, Benue can chart a more secure and prosperous course and appealed to stakeholders to support his ambition to advance development in the areas of security, infrastructure, employment, the economy, education, and other sectors.
Speaking at the event, leader of the Jechira PDP and former Commissioner for Education to Benue State Government, Dr Saawuan Tarnongu, urged Ato and all Jechira governorship aspirants to be united for the common goal and appealed to other Tiv intermediate areas with 2027 Governorship ambition to allow Jechira complete its cycle of eight years.
Also speaking, the leader of Konshisha PDP and former Deputy Chairman of Konshisha Local Government, Hon Ortese Kpev, commended Ato for his governorship ambition to remedy Jechira’s Governorship slot, assuring him of their support and urged him to consult widely, noting that Ato’s track record and experience make him well-qualified to lead the state.
Kpev added that the party is growing stronger and will take back power in 2027, urging party supporters to remain faithful and continue strengthening the party at the grassroots.
Those who spoke for Shangiev-Tiev and Gaav, a former Benue Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Shimawua Azaigba, and former Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Dr. Terver Akase, described Ato as humble, competent, and credible, and commended him for promising to prioritise security, while wishing him success in his ambition to govern the state and pledged their support.
In their separate remarks, Terhemen Atondu, speaking for the forum of elders, Mbavaa Ward Chairman, Iorsende Tor, speaking for Konshisha ward chairmen, Konshisha PDP woman leader, Tyonum Christiana, Youth leader, Akav Bua, and former Councillor and Chairman, Benue State Councilors’ Forum, Fanen Dzua, prayed for Ato to succeed and assured him of their support.
Earlier, Konshisha PDP Chairman, Gwaza Ane thanked Ato and his entourage and lauded the massive turnout to welcome Ato, noting that the people will support him as he embarks on his journey to serve the state as Governor in 2027 and wished him well.
A statement by the Director of communications for Ato Governorship Campaign Project, Mr. Msugh Benjamin said Ato was accompanied by a staff member of the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, Bem Kurugh, and his close associate and aspirant for Gwer-East House of Assembly, Comrade Vitalis Hwande, among others.
