From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, groups and associations in Benue North West Senatorial District have urged the Assistant Director, Engineering, Federal Development Control, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Engr Imoter Ugboho, to run for Senate, expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the present occupant.
Latest among the groups is Zone A Action Mothers who in a letter of invitation urged the assistant director to resign his office and join the race on the account that Senator Emmanuel Udende had failed people of the senatorial district.
In the letter signed by Aondonguwasen Orga-Afia and Mavis Atoo, president and secretary, the group noted how Udende, an old politician who should be conversant with the size of the senatorial district, would be running its affairs like a local government chairman, alleging that the dividends of democracy was not felt across the seven local government areas of the zone.
The leaders said they had seen in Engr Ugboho, a perfect replacement, as he is from the same local government area with Ukum.
They described him as a new generation politician who is very simple, accessible and had impacted positively in the lives of the people across the senatorial district and his immediate community.
They equally noted that apart from being eminently qualified to represent the zone at the red chambers, Ugboho has done well in the area of community development, particularly in Ukum, using his personal resources.
Similarly, the group outlined some of his achievements to include institutionalisation of scholarship scheme for students of Ukum studying in universities within and outside the country and secondary schools, having discovered education as the second industry after farming.
They said Ugboho had assisted people in various communities without minding where they come from, settling hospital bills, sponsoring political campaigns for those who zoning favoured but lack finances, provision of food and cash to the vulnerable, construction of a Catholic Church in his Ugbam community, provision of boreholes which they said is the first of its kind since the return of democracy.
The group equally disclosed that Ugboho had distributed cars and motorcycles to various individuals as his modest contribution to improve the living standard of the people, describing him as a detribalised Nigerian whose efforts, if supported, would contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
They on the other hand, scored Senator Udende very low, especially in the area of security.
Orga-Afia and Atoo argued that development would not thrive in a chaotic environment, accusing Senator Udende of always remaining silent on the killings in Sankera.
They noted that the people would no longer allow someone who does not have their interest to remain in office.
The leaders equally advised those holding political offices to emulate Governor Hyacinth Alia’s developmental strides, noting that Senator Udende has failed the people of Zone A and should be shown the way out.
