By Terese Tse
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) gubernatorial candidate in Benue State, Mrs Aondona Dabo-Fiase is to grant full autonomy to the local government system for accelerated development if elected in 2023.
She has also promised to revive the moribund industries to create jobs for the unemployed youths in the state.
Mrs Dabo-Fiase popularly called “Wan Dabo” who served in the 5th National Assembly as a representative of Vandeikya/Konshisha Constituency said she would set out a mechanism for the judicious utilization of local government funds.
The gubernatorial candidate, in an interview with The Voice Politics appealed to Benue people to vote her for the plum seat as a competent representative, regardless of party affiliation.
“My administration would give autonomy to local governments, any amount given to them we would ensure that it is judiciously spent in executing projects for the people in the area. This is part of the reason why I am doing Ward Tour of the state to see what the people need. I want to go everywhere across Benue,” she said.
She lamented the deplorable state of infrastructure in the local governments across the state, saying “we will run a government that is responsible and accountable to the people of Benue State. We would make sure that the roads are motorable.”
“I want the good people of Benue State to come to the realization that matters have reached a stage where mere alphabets should not be the determining factors in their choice of candidate. Look at the candidates and give it to the best that would take the state to the next level in terms of performance.
“Consider me on my own merits, look at my humanitarian disposition and philanthropic works in the past that have touched lives of so many people in the state and beyond particularly during the Tiv/Jukun massacre of 1999. I voluntarily provided relief materials for the victims of the crisis with my personal resources worth millions of naira.
I transversed the length and breath of Benue and beyond into Taraba, Nasarawa and Plateau states to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
“I don’t give Caesar’s gift, contrary to the norm of most politicians in this part of the world, who remember people only when they need votes. I see that as a political strategy to win favour, mine is to live for others to live, not minding their different affiliations because I’m conscious of the fact that a person who lives for his or herself is a failure, even if they gain so much wealth, power or position, they are still failures,” she stressed.
