The Governor’s Point Man for Kwande Local Government Area and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Bureau of Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Stephen Aondona Uta, has challenged former Governor Samuel Ortom and the Benue PDP governorship candidate, Chief Kaase Aondoakaa, to explain their renewed political interest in Kwande.
Uta made the remarks on Friday while addressing some youths in Adikpo ahead of a political event. He questioned why opportunities to advance the area’s political aspirations were allegedly not provided when the power to do so was in their hands.
The Kwande Point Man recalled the political experience of the late Wantaregh Paul Unongo and his son, Tyolumun Unongo, alleging that Ortom had denied the younger Unongo the opportunity to contest for the House of Representatives despite his father’s efforts to secure the ticket. He wondered why those who allegedly failed to support Kwande’s aspirations at the time should now present themselves as champions of the area’s political interests.
Uta described the development as a possible disservice to Kwande if the renewed political appeal was intended to exploit the people’s aspirations for partisan advantage. He further alleged that such political moves could create divisions within the area, urging the youths to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of undermining unity and development.
The Kwande Point Man maintained that Gov. Alia’s administration had provided opportunities for greater youth recognition and participation in governance. He urged the people to assess the administration’s record, consider the opportunities available to their communities and make informed decisions about the future of Kwande.
He also called on the youths to remain engaged in mainstream politics under their leader Prince Moses Ternenge, who is passionate about their well-being, and to support the APC in the 2027 general elections, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia and other party candidates.
Uta concluded by urging Kwande youths to judge political leaders by their records, actions and contributions to the people rather than campaign promises alone.
