Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, a Benue governorship aspirant, UN the Platform of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP), has pledged to restore security, promote unity and rebuild the state’s economy if elected governor in 2027.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice during the late President Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, made the pledge at the weekend in Jos, Plateau State, while addressing Benue indigenes residents in the state under the platform of Benue Diaspora Plateau for MKA 2027.
The event was attended by traditional rulers representing the Tiv, Idoma and Igede communities, as well as Tiv lawyers resident in Plateau State.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation, who called for collective action to protect Benue’s identity and territorial integrity, said his administration would establish a Benue Security Network and introduce a rapid-response mechanism to ensure that attacks on any community would be treated as an attack on the entire state.
“I came from a very humble background, and that has remained with me. It has taught me that anybody can become anything in life. That is why, whenever you meet people, speak to them with humility. Even when you have to correct someone, do it in a manner that allows you to remain friends”.
“We will establish a rapid-response mechanism. If an Idoma village is attacked, youths from all the 23 local government areas should be ready to respond. An attack on one community will be treated as an attack on all the 23 local government areas. If we stand together, nobody can defeat us,” he said.
He also pledged to promote agro-processing, improve rural infrastructure, empower women through cooperative societies and create opportunities for young people, while urging Benue indigenes in the diaspora to support their communities and participate actively in the state’s development.
Aondoakaa, who called for support for Senator George Akume and former governor Samuel Ortom, also criticised the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia over what he described as poor management of public resources, alleging irregularities in government expenditure and warning that another four years under the present administration could worsen the state’s situation.
Emmanuel Hemba, a professor and convener of Benue Diaspora Plateau for MKA 2027, said the group’s endorsement of Aondoakaa followed a careful assessment of his record in public service, particularly his experience as Attorney-General of the Federation, investments in agriculture and commitment to education.
Hemba urged him to prioritise security, healthcare, education, rural roads and employment if elected, while requesting formal recognition of the diaspora group in his campaign organisation.
The event also featured appeals for unity among Benue’s ethnic groups, with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders expressing support for a collective effort to promote the interests of the state beyond political and ethnic affiliations.
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Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states.
He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.
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