Benue 2027: I will be governor whether they like it or not — Shija boasts

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Benue State, Prof Terhemba Shija, has pledged to shut down all internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the state if elected governor in 2027.

Shija said his proposed administration would deploy drones, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other security strategies to combat insecurity, restore peace to affected communities and enable displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes.

The NDC candidate made the commitment in Makurdi, where he outlined his plans to protect lives and property, strengthen security operations and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities face prosecution.

He described the prolonged stay of thousands of Benue residents in IDP camps as unacceptable, insisting that citizens displaced by insecurity should not be forced to live indefinitely outside their communities.

“On assumption of office, I will close down all IDP camps in the state. I have done my research and believe strongly that it is the right thing to do,” he declared.

Explaining his proposed security framework, Shija said his government would combine technological interventions with military-style operations and non-violent measures to address the persistent security challenges confronting the state.

“I will employ the use of drones and install CCTV, as well as engage in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity,” he said.

He also vowed to take firm action against individuals he accused of invading Benue communities and attempting to seize the ancestral lands of residents.

According to him, his administration would ensure that “those found culpable of criminal activities were prosecuted in accordance with the law, while security agencies would be equipped with the necessary tools to protect residents and their property.”

Shija further promised to strengthen the state’s security architecture, stressing that his administration would adopt measures capable of discouraging criminal activities and preventing further displacement of rural dwellers.

He declared that “our approach would be firm enough to deter criminal elements and prevent further displacement of rural communities.”

Beyond security, the governorship hopeful expressed concern over what he described as the abandonment of the development blueprint established by former Benue State governor, the late Mr Aper Aku.

“Benue had a visionary leader like the late Aper Aku, who laid the foundation for a modern Benue, but successive administrations had failed to sustain his policies and development initiatives,” he said.

Shija attributed some of the state’s development setbacks to the failure of successive administrations to sustain the policies and long-term programmes introduced by previous governments.

He argued that the lack of continuity in governance had hindered the state’s progress and called for a people-centred approach to leadership.

According to him, “the interests and welfare of the people must remain at the centre of government policies and programmes.

“Regrettably, successive administrations prioritised personal interests over the collective aspirations of the people, a situation that contributed to the state’s development challenges.”

The NDC flagbearer promised to introduce policies aimed at changing what he described as “the behavioural mentality of the people” and rebuilding a culture of accountability, productivity and responsible leadership.

He identified healthcare, access to clean drinking water and youth employment as other priority areas his administration would address if given the mandate.

On grassroots governance, Shija pledged to uphold local government autonomy while establishing stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds were properly managed.

“Under my watch, local government will have autonomy, but through the supervisory role of the State Assembly, any chairman found corrupt would be sacked and jailed,” he said.

He maintained that local councils should be empowered to perform their statutory responsibilities and deliver development at the grassroots, adding that elected officials must be held accountable for their actions and the management of public resources.

The governorship candidate also promised to improve access to potable water by extending water supply networks to households. He said his administration would equally prioritise better healthcare services and create opportunities for young people to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on his political journey, Shija recalled his participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race ahead of the 2023 general election.

He expressed confidence in his chances of defeating the incumbent governor in the 2027 election, citing his previous electoral experience as a source of optimism.

“I have never lost an election. I had been elected to the House of Representatives,” he said.

Shija also alleged that the APC governorship primary conducted ahead of the 2023 election was manipulated to favour Governor Hyacinth Alia, who eventually secured the party’s ticket.

He said the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue his governorship ambition under the NDC, insisting that his opponents would not succeed in preventing him from contesting or winning the election.

“They couldn’t succeed in stopping my nomination now; let them see what will happen. I will be governor whether they like it or not. I can’t be defeated,” he boasted.

The NDC candidate further disclosed that he would seek to serve only one four-year term if elected governor, describing the proposed tenure as an opportunity to complete what he characterised as the unfinished tenure of the incumbent administration.

Benue 2027: I will be governor whether they like it or not — Shija boasts