Ahead of the 2023 governorship elections, a group called Benue Rebirth Movement, BRM, has held a mega rally with a call on the people of the state to consider electing a governor from the Benue South Senatorial district, Zone C.
The rally which held at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB Square, in Makurdi had a theme, “Support Zone C for Governor 2023”.
Before the rally, the group led by their Coordinator The Coordinator, AVM Monday Morgan, led members of the group, in your thousand, on a march to Government House.
Speaking to Governor Samuel Ortom, Morgan noted that “Nasarawa state rotates its governorship among the three senatorial zones. Plateau, Kogi, Taraba states do the same, all the adjoining North-Central states do the same. Why is it that Benue state refuse to co-tow to normal democratic norms.
“That is why we agitate and the time has come that from 2023, our own man from Zone ‘C’ would mount the instrument of power in Benue state
They told Ortom that “We know you as a man of conscience, the man that has the common courage to do the uncommon things that bring people together. We know you to stand for integrity and fairness; we believe that, no matter the pressure you will not bow to some forces that think that one tribe should continue to rule in perpetuity.”
Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom, represented by his deputy, Engineer Benson Abounu said he was happy that they have collectively come to express the aspirations and wishes of the people of Zone ‘C’.
Describing their wishes and aspirations as just, right and proper, Ortom recalled he had met with members of BRM on two occasions where he assured that Benue state under his watch will be a place where every citizen of the state would have a place that he can call his own
He noted that his administration in craving for fairness, equity and justice and that it is in this regard, he appointed a female as the Head of Service (HoS), Chief Judge of the state and Auditor General of Benue state all from Zone ‘C’ .
He therefore noted that in the considering who will be Governor in 2023, he still stands on fairness, equity and justice.
He however reminded that the process leading to the election of a Governor is not left to him alone saying that aspirants must consult widely especially with the traditional and political class.
Ortom told the people of Zone C that “The time has come for you to consult with the ‘Ijir Tamen’ in order to make sure that you convince even those that are critics”
Also speaking, the chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Onuh, who noted that politics is a game of number said “our brothers in Zones ‘A’ and ‘B’, Benue North-East and North-West senatorial districts respectively, have the numerical strength.
“The only thing we need to do and we are doing today is to negotiate for power; to extend hands of fellowship and that of friendship to them and ask them for power.
“This is the only joint land we have with them, we are not saying that they should give us their inheritance; all we are saying is that they should allow us to cultivate and harvest this land, even if it is for one term. We are assuring you, the people of Zone ‘C’ will not fail Benue state.
