Benue 2023: Tilley-Gyado Rounds Up State-Wide Consultation with APC Stakeholders

By Emmanuel Iorbee

A top contender for the 2023 Benue Governorship election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr Terhemen Tilley-Gyado, is nearing the end of his state-wide consultation tour.

Many who earlier entertained fears that Engr Tilley-Gyado may have joined the race late, are singing a new song now that the UK-trained Engineer appears to be overshadowing earlier arrivals in the contest, likening his surge to the eschatological saying, "The first shall be last and the last first."

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It is no longer news that consultations are ongoing for who becomes the Number One citizen of Benue state. Jechira, and even more specifically Vandeikya, where Engr TT-Gyado hails from, is expected to produce the Governor of the state in 2023.

Engr. TT-Gyado, has so far engaged the cultural and political power blocks of JECHIRA (Vandeikya and Konshisha LGAs), KWANDE (Kwande and Ushongo LGAs), MINDA (Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West and Gwer East LGAs), and JEMGBAGH (Gboko, Buruku and Tarka LGAs).

He was as well received in his maternal home of Kwande, as he was in his fatherland of Jechira. In his maternal home, the stakeholders welcomed their son warmly and acknowledged that they stand to lose nothing in supporting their own son from Vandeikya to clinch the APC gubernatorial ticket.

The MINDA block hosted Engr Terhemen Tilley-Gyado at the residence of Chief Akange Audu, Chairman of APC MINDA Elders Forum. They noted that Engr. Tilley-Gyado‘s grandfather had began his business career in their land and had contributed tremendously to the development of the community and Benue State at large. 

They committed to giving their support wholeheartedly to Engr Terhemen Tilley-Gyado, determining that if his father did not betray the trust reposited in him, then they are confident that Engr. Tilley-Gyado will be no different. The stakeholders urged therefore, the gubernatorial hopeful to go ahead and consult widely, assuring him of their support.

Addressing stakeholders from Jemgbagh at the residence of APC leader, Sen George Akume, Engr. Gyado expressed concern that Benue people have suffered all forms of underdevelopment and neglect.

He, however, said the time has come to correct the ills of the past in the state and chart the course for accelerated development.

In their response the former House of Assembly Member representing Gboko West, Terhemba Chabo, said Jemgbagh has every reason to support Engineer Terhemen Tilley-Gyado. He acknowledged that the APC gubernatorial contender is the brother and son of Jemgbagh, and possesses the requisite credentials to steer the state to greater heights.

"Your father laid a foundation for you to build on," Chabo said, referring to the exploits of the late, great, Benue-born captain of industry, Jerome Tilley-Gyado.

Engr Terhemen Tilley-Gyado had earlier interacted with the State Working Committee of the APC at the party's state secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he officially informed them and sought their blessing and support regarding his aspiration for the good of the State.

Responding on behalf of the State Chairman, Comr Austin Agada, the Deputy Chairman Dr Steven Tsav, noted with delight that Engr. Tilley-Gyado is a *leading example and hope for* young people.

He explained that Engr. Terhemen's late grandfather and father have been mentors to many young men over the years, and he therefore believes that the younger Tilley-Gyado will demonstrate similar qualities and more if given the opportunity.

On behalf of Agada and the state working committee, Dr. Tsav, assured Engr. Tilley-Gyado of a level playing field in the primary elections.

In his remark, former Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly and now Secretary of the Party, Rt. Hon Paul Biam, said he has had time to speak with Terhemen Gyado on a one on one basis and can attest that the APC man is well equipped with the brains and character to govern the State successfully. 

Engr. TT-Gyado will shortly be rounding up his consultation with visits to SANKERA (Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs) and Zone C (Apa, Agatu, Oturkpo, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Obi, Oju, Ado LGAs), marking the fulfillment of a critical phase in the *Better Benue Today Today* project.