Governorship aspirant Decries impact of past, present leadership on devt of Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A Governorship aspirant in Benue State Commander Henry Ode Ojowu rtd has decried that the impact of past and present leaders of the state has not been significantly felt making Benue as one of the least developed states of the federation.

The retired naval officer who said this while briefing newsmen in Makurdi on his intention to run the plum seat of Governor in 2027, identified lack of leadsrship capacity to develop the State as inhibiting factor.

He stressed the need to change the crowd based chorus to entrusting the state into the hand of a person with integrity, will power, capacity, exposure, intelligence, honesty and fear of God to redirect the state to the expected height, adding that his aspiration is not hinged on zoning but purely based on merit and capacity.

Ojowu who said he is consulting on what party platform to contest, highlighted his 5 points blue print which focuses on Security, alluding that the state security vote shall not serve as the Governor’s welfare fund but would be used for the administration of a new security model called Grassroot Defence Brigade, GRDB to restore peace in all communities to be managed by traditional rulers.

In the area of human resource development, he assured that there will be prompt payment of workers’ salaries and introduction of 13th month salary for government workers as well as introduction of free medical treatment for the elderly, pregnant women and children.

Ojowu said as effort to develop the state economy, he would revive the Taraku mills for optimal production of vegetable oils, introduce cattle ranching and training of Benue indigenes in cattle rearing and ranching and the establishment of a tricycle plant in Makurdi in collaboration with Indian government.

“said he,”I will establish Benue State Electricity Generation and Distribution Company exploring the wind water, sun and other sources for optimal power generation in the state.

“There will be council of state with membership comprising the Governor, Deputy Governor, former Governor’s, former. Senators, former advisers to the President from the state and first class Chiefs with the GP of the military and Commissioner of Police. They will assist in formulating policies”.