Benue 2023 Gov'ship: Kwande PDP Stakeholders Back Ubwa.

By Aviashima Toom

The Kwande Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have expressed their support for the governorship ambition of Dr. Paul Ubwa.

The party stakeholders, who met at the Makurdi residence of the First female Speaker in Africa, a People's Democratic Party Board of Trustees Member and former commissioner federal character commission, Chief Mrs. Margaret Icheen to pledge their support for Dr. Paul Ubwa  on Friday, said the backing was in the interest of the state and the party.

Leaders of the four major divides of kwande (Nanev, Shangev-ya, Turan and Ikurav- ya) Elders.Amokaha Adikpo, Charles Mary Avur, Chaver Gaabo and former member, Federal house of Representative, Moses Akuha Torgbande who spoke at the meeting, however, urged Ubwa to remain resolute in his quest to contribute his quoter to the development of Benue state.

The stakeholders who also expressed happiness, encouraged the governorship hopeful to go about his campaigns Admiring, his humility and characters, they acknowledging his contributions to the society during his days of service.

In his remarks, Political Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State and former state PDP secretary Hon. Bem Dzoho, explained that Dr. Paul Ubwa has demonstrated credibility, eligibility and capacity, describing him as potential and reliable personality to aligned with.

In his speech, Chief. Dr. John Akperashi, 'Ikpankor, I Kwande',  informed the people of kwande  that Dr. Ubwa is the only candidate Usar has produce, he aver further that, "those who thought he was contesting for the number seat of benue state should know that he has done that through his brother Dr. Paul Ubwa.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Governorship hopeful, Dr. Paul Ubwa, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Josephine Torkwase Ubwa and some close associates of the party had  disclose to the kwande people officially his desire and intention to contest for the seat of Governor of Benue state under PDP come 2023. 

He highlighted Agriculture as his focal point for Benue's economic revampalization and  promised to also leverage on the tireless efforts of the Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom to preserve Benue Land   against invaders who are bent on displacing Benue people to takeover their land

Ubwa said "my government will encourage mechanize agriculture, expand productivity through which the value chain from cultivating to processing to marketing will provide adequate jobs for all Benue people and above all eradicated poverty"

He sighted example on his private business how he started transport company, in transportation using vehicles, he understood the vehicles needed fueling, he went into oil and gas, he knew that vehicles needed repairs, he completed the chain by establishing an automobile workshop. 

He explained that, the value chain of his transport business alone has created over a thousand jobs, Ubwa noted that he believed the agricultural value chain he will create in Benue will mop off completely unemployment in the state.

Dr. Ubwa also said good access roads for the movement of agriculture produce, good health facilities, "because you must be fit and sound to work", quality education to enable the training of personnels to fit in the production process at various stages effectively and there must be adequate power supply to withstand the industrial needs with reliable security of lives and properties.

“Experience, I know is key in everything we do in life. As a result of this, my wealth of experience in the private sector would be put to bear" he noted.

Other critical stakeholders who grace the meeting and expressed support for Dr. Ubwa's governorship quest  were Former minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Nicholas Ada,  zonal PDP chairman zone A Adzua Ashongo, state deputy auditor Terna Mpen(Abuja), kwande west state assembly member Abanyi Sugh, kwande PDP chairman Sesugh Iortyer, Hon. Abouta, former members of Benue state House of assembly Barr. Henda, Didimus Tamen, Joseph Boko.

Others are former chairmen of kwande local government Tyoule Akende, Boniface Ukende, former commissioners Chief. Simon Gbalamen Kwaghbula, Joe Shimaor, Huuordoo Nanbativ, former PDP Chairman Kwande Hon. Adzua Ikyur, Hon. Ihon Yua, Mrs. Joy Hule, Mrs. Akem, Mrs. Veronica Ortese, Barr. Jev.