Prof. Terhemba Shija
A leading APC gubernatorial aspirant for Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija has said that the state is wallowing in its current state of socio-economic retardation because its people have slumbered and lost control of the state to hypocritical and criminal elements who have hijacked and mindlessly plundered it.
He made the remarks earlier today while addressing APC elders and stakeholders who turned out to receive him in Tse-agberagba, Konshisha LGA of the state.
Reiterating his strong claim for the Benue State governorship in 2023, he also justified the Jechira claim to the seat, noting that all parties have realized the sense in the claim.
Shija also reiterated his past political contributions to all blocs in Tivland and Benue State – Sankera, Jemgbagh, and Idoma land, adding that it was time for him to receive his reward.
He extolled the virtues of APC as a people’s oriented party, and again reiterated his position that never will Benue people allow brigands who have stolen the State blind to return to power.
Shija further recognized everyone’s right to contest among Jerchira sons and daughters but called on people to properly scrutinize aspirants to ensure they make the best choice.
Decrying the pervasive poverty in the State, he however noted that, with its huge endowments in natural resources especially in the agricultural and natural resources sectors, the State could not be considered a poor state.
He noted that Nigeria had to import N86 million dollars worth of citrus concentrates recently, and regretted that, even though it is on record that the State is the highest producer of the commodity in Nigeria and thus the world, it does not have a single extractive company, noting that it still remains the highest contributor to the national economy through food imports like citrus fruits, cassava and other agricultural products.
On solid mineral deposits, Shija noted that the State has limestone in commercial quantity in at least nine local governments and emphasized that he would establish at least four cement companies and several citrus extractive industries in areas with comparative advantages in such raw materials.
On transportation, he also promised to link major cities across the State through the construction of major major highways.
Deploring the neglect of civil servants, retirees and the elderly, Shija promised to clear all arrears and pension claims within six months of coming into power, stressing that it can be done with careful planning and the eradication of corrupt practices in public service.
Earlier, while addressing party stakeholders in Vandeikya, Shija said his administration would also boost the education system by ensuring that every secondary school student is given a lap top.
On corruption, Shija emphasized that all stolen funds will be returned to Benue coffers and perpetrators called to justice.
Shija affirmed that he will protect all parts of Benue State and anyone that harms an indigene of the State will be hunted down and made to face the law.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that Prof. Shija possessed all attributes to rescue the State from insecurity and economic backwardness.
