Benue APC Wants Party’s National Chair Zoned to State

George Okoh in Makurdi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, has called for the zoning of the national chairman position of the party to Benue State.

The party, therefore, canvassed for the emergence of Senator George Akume, as their choice candidate for position of APC national chairman.

Chairman, Campaign Committee of the Akume National Chairmanship Aspiration, Simon Shango, who disclosed this at the sidelines of a reception in honour of Akume on his 68th birthday in Gboko, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv nation on Monday, said Akume would be the best aspirant for the position

Shango, who is also the Chairman of the APC Elders’ Council in the state explained that since the campaign to ensure Akume emerges chairman of the party started, the response has been wonderful.

He stated that the emergence of Akume would become the vogue for the country, where two of the national party chairmen would be Christians and also from the the North Central geopolitical zone.

“That will become the vogue for the country. It will be the vogue, because, one, it shows that is the place to go. Not just that he is from Benue; not just that he is from North-Central, but that he is also a Christian.

“It means the country is looking towards that direction, that the new arrangement is that chairmanship should go to North Central and to a Christian. So, it improves our chances of emerging the national chairman of the party,” he said.

Akume, while acknowledging the support he got from supporters and groups at his birthday celebration, said, every event had its own time and space.

“Many people have been talking to me about the issue of national chairman of the party and there are many groups and individuals, who are already canvassing support for me and I believe that God’s time is always the best.

“I’ve been to Kano, Kastina, Nasarawa, with a team of eminent Benue people like Senator Barnabas Gemade, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, Chief Steven Lawani, Dr. Sam Ode and the state Chairman Austin Agada among others. In fact, I’ve been to see Al-Makura himself, who is contesting with me and next week, I’ll be in Minna, Niger State to further the campaign.”

On his birthday, he said, “I give glory to God for what He has done in my life. I’m a miracle. When I came to this world on 27th December, 1953, I was not born into a wealthy family but by His special grace, I’m where I am and that is why I come annually to give Him thanks.”

Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has wished Akume a happy 68th birthday and prayed God to guide and direct him in the discharge of his duties to the state and the nation.

In a statement signed by Nathaniel Ikyur, Chief Press Secretary to Ortom said, “Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on behalf of the government and people of the state, sends warm regards to the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume on his 68th birthday.

“He (Ortom) prays that God will continue to guide and direct Senator Akume as he discharges his responsibilities to the State and the nation.”

The governor also appealed to Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for all category of leaders in the country so that God’s blessings and wisdom would continue to rest upon them.