2027: Guber aspirant, Ato vows to prioritise security, development in Benue.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

A Governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Terwase Tortiv-Ato has promised to prioritised the issue of security and promote sustainable development if given the mandate to govern Benue in 2027.

He made the pledge when he formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election during his meeting with PDP stakeholders in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha Local Government Area of the State.

Ato lamented that Benue State has suffered prolonged insecurity, stressing that the suspension of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law, one of the landmark achievements of the previous administration, has worsened the situation with growing numbers of Internally Displaced Persons across the State.

“The security development in the State is unacceptable. A situation where a large number of productive farmers were being denied access to their farmlands is worrisome and calls for concerns.

“The recent security challenges in the state have left so many farmers and communities restless and displaced.  Am confidence that, with  right leadership in place, Benue can become a more secured, safer and prosperous State”, Ato said.

The governorship appealed to stakeholders to support his ambition to advance development in the areas of security, infrastructure, employment, the economy, education, and other sectors.

Also speaking,  leader of the Jechira PDP and former Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management in the State, Saawuan Tarnongu, urged Ato and all Jechira governorship aspirants to be united for the common goal and appealed to other Tiv intermediate areas with 2027 Governorship ambition to allow Jechira complete its cycle of eight years. 

Another speaker and the leader of Konshisha PDP,  Hon. Ortese Kpev, commended Ato for his governorship ambition to remedy Jechira’s Governorship slot and urged him to consult widely, noting that Ato’s track record and experience make him well-qualified to lead the state.

The former deputy chairman of Konsisha local government council insisted that the party is growing stronger and will take power back in 2027.

He urged the party supporters to remain faithful and continue strengthening the party at the grassroots.

Those who spoke for Shangiev-Tiev and Gaav, including a former member of Benue State House of Assembly,  Shimawua Azaigba, and former Special Adviser to former Governor, Terver Akase, all described Ato as humble, competent, and credible.

They  commended him for his quest to prioritise security and pledged their unalloyed support.

In their separate remarks, Terhemen Atondu, speaking for the forum of elders, Mbavaa Ward Chairman, Iorsende Tor, speaking for Konshisha ward chairmen, Konshisha PDP woman leader, Tyonum Christiana, Youth leader, Akav Bua, and former Councillor and Chairman, Benue State Councilors’ Forum, Fanen Dzua, prayed for Ato to succeed and assured him of their support.

Earlier, Konshisha PDP Chairman, Mr. Gwaza Ane, assured that  the people of Konshisha will support Engr. Ato as he embarks on his journey to serve the state as Governor in 2027 and wished him well. 

A statement by Mr. Msugh Benjamin 

Director of communications for Ato Governorship Campaign Project, said the governorship aspirant was accompanied to the  meeting by Mr. Bem Kurugh, a

 staff of the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja and closed associates including an aspirant for Southeast House of Assembly, Comrade Vitalis Hwande, among others.