Uba: I will Harness Natural Endowment for Development in Benue

From George Kajo, Makurdi

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship Candidate in Benue State, Titus Uba has assured of his administration’s readiness to work towards harnessing the natural endowment of the state for development if voted as governor in this Saturday’s election.

Uba who is currently the Speaker of the Benue State House of assembly, maintains that his blueprint christened, “Our soil, our oil”, is anchored on security and agriculture.

According to him, if elected as governor, he will replicate the American Government style of agriculture to create what he referred to as ‘mega farm’ for farmers across the three senatorial districts of the state by empowering them with tractors, herbicides loans and other tools to boost revenue and food security in the state.

The Gubernatorial hopeful stated that river Benue will be dredged to improve irrigation for the state to engage in all year round farming and water transportation to boost activities in Makurdi and its environment; pointing out that it is possible to have a terminal and wharf in Benue state.

The representative of Kyan State constituency in the state assembly, also said if given the chance as governor, he will ensure security of lives and property; promising to guarantee the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State which the assembly under his leadership passed into law and assented to by the governor.

He called on civil servants and pensioners in the state to be patient with the government as the domestication of the PENCOM law was to address the challenges of salaries and pension as soon as the bench mark of N10 billion was met with N6 billion already in the coffer.

Responding to a question, Uba explained that the decision of Benue State House of assembly to vote against the local Government autonomy was taken in the best interest of the state; saying the matter which became contentious at the Speakers conference and governor’s forum is still been deliberated upon with a view to coming out with a decision in the best interest of the people.

He commended Samuel Ortom led PDP Administration for intervening in various areas including roads, infrastructure in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo as well as construction of Tor Tiv and O’chidoma palaces, renovation of schools across the state among others.

Uba therefore, appealed to Benue people to consider him as the best bet and vote for him and other PDP candidates vying for House of assembly seats in the March 11 general election.