From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Dr Nentawe Yilwatdat, has pleaded with Benue people living in Plateau State to support his candidature to enable him win the 2023 election.
Dr Yilwatdat made the request at the residence of Ter Tiv Jos, Chief Peter Apeh on Friday, in Kufang, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
He said meeting the Benue community was home coming as he narrated his relationship with Benue state and its people.
“This is my community, this is my home, I left for Benue state at the age of 18 to study at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, I spent 30 years lecturing at the Federal University of Agriculture rose to the rank of Director at the age of 30 years, the youngest ever.
“The current Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse made me a director in the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, he is my mentor.
“I became Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC and was posted to Benue state; so my life is Benue, I’m your brother, please vote for me to change Plateau for better. Give me this mandate, I will not disappoint you,” he stated.
He revealed that his tenure as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue state necessitated a peaceful general election in 2019.
Dr Yilwatdat, who solicited for peaceful co-existence between Benue citizens and their host neighbours; pledged to tackle incessant civil unrest bedeviling the state.
He said his administration will implore the services of ex-service men and vigilante group, equip them with necessary weapons to help fight the growing insurgency.
According to him, he will sell similar security ideas to Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states governments to safeguard the entire region from attacks.
He revealed that his administration will not discriminate against anyone, irrespective of religion and ethnicity.
Welcoming the governorship candidate, the Ter Tiv Jos, Chief Apeh said as leader of the people, he will ensure that his people vote for candidates, who have capacity to develop Plateau state, which has become home for most Benue citizens.
In their separate responses, the Ada Idoma, Chief Barr Leo Adejoh and that of Igede, Chief Douglas Icha reiterated the words of Chief Apeh.
The Ada Idoma particularly solicited for inclusiveness in governance by Dr Yilwatdat, should he win the governorship election.