Serving federal lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives from Benue State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers, under the platform Benue APC NASS Caucus, made the declaration on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The forum comprises two Senators and ten of the eleven House of Representatives members.
Flanked by his colleagues, Senator Titus Zam, who read the communique of the forum, based the decision to support Tinubu on the increased federal presence in Benue State and, by extension, the North Central region.
“Our endorsement is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of President Tinubu’s transformative leadership, his unwavering commitment to national development, and the tangible achievements recorded under his administration since 29th May 2023,” the statement read.
The Benue APC NASS Caucus cited ongoing projects, including the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, the Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-Enugu Road, and the 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, as landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration.
They maintained that “under President Tinubu’s leadership, Benue State has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic activities.”
The lawmakers also highlighted the establishment of the North Central Development Commission as a key initiative to address infrastructural deficits in the region.
Amidst the ongoing security challenges confronting the predominantly agrarian state, the legislators commended President Tinubu’s commitment to national security and stability. They called for collaborative efforts between the federal government and the Benue State Government to restore peace in the region.
“On security, we commend the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu in deploying more resources and personnel to safeguard lives and property across Benue. However, we believe the fight against insecurity cannot be left to the federal government alone. We look forward to seeing more proactive collaboration and genuine intelligence gathering from the state government as a critical step toward restoring peace and protecting our communities.”
“As representatives of the people, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability in Benue State. Within the full scope of our legislative powers, we will continue to advocate for and facilitate the necessary interventions to end the cycle of violence in our communities. Furthermore, we are determined to champion initiatives aimed at rebuilding affected areas and exploring avenues for compensation and support for our displaced farmers, whose resilience remains the backbone of our state’s economy.”
The press briefing was attended by:
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Senator Titus Zam
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Senator Emmanuel Udende
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Hon. Dickson Tarkigir
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Hon. David Ogewu
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Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher
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Hon. Terseer Ugbor
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Hon. Asema Achado
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Hon. Philip Agbese
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Hon. Sekav Iyoryom
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Hon. Regina Akume
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Hon. Blessing Onuh
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Hon. Solomon Wombo
Our endorsement is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of President Tinubu’s transformative leadership, his unwavering commitment to national development, and the tangible achievements recorded under his administration since 29th May 2023.
Transformative Infrastructure Development in Benue State
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Benue State has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic activities. Notable projects include:
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Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway – Construction has commenced on this 465-kilometre superhighway, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities across the involved states.
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Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-Enugu Road – Reconstruction efforts are underway on this critical route, including the addition of a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi to improve transportation efficiency.
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Bukuru Bridge over Katsina-Ala River – Approved at a cost of ₦83.8 billion, this twin-bridge project will span 1.7 kilometres, facilitating better movement and trade in the region.
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9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road – The dualisation of this strategic project aims to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Enugu, Makurdi, Abuja, and northern Nigeria.
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Oju–Cross River Federal Road – One of the most impactful interventions facilitated under the Tinubu administration is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Oju–Cross River federal road—a long-neglected but economically vital route linking Benue to the South-South region. This breakthrough was achieved through strategic collaboration between the federal government, the Governor of Ebonyi State, and our colleague Hon David Ogewu, whose tireless efforts helped bring this project to fruition.
These projects not only stimulate economic activities but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Housing and Social Welfare Initiatives
President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing housing deficits and improving social welfare:
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Renewed Hope Housing Estates Programme – The construction of 250 affordable housing units in Benue State aims to provide decent accommodation for our citizens.
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Pulaku Initiative – The approval of 1,000 housing units in Benue State reflects a strategic approach to resolving conflicts and rehabilitating displaced persons.
These initiatives are pivotal in fostering social cohesion and improving the quality of life for our people.
Economic Empowerment and Fiscal Support
The federal government’s economic policies have significantly benefited Benue State:
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Financial Allocations – Benue State has received ₦44 billion in various funds, including ₦5 billion post-subsidy removal funds, ₦9 billion Infrastructure Fund, and ₦30 billion Subnational Intervention Fund. These allocations have bolstered the state’s capacity to implement developmental projects and provide palliatives to its citizens.
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Fiscal Reforms – The administration’s fiscal policies have doubled government revenues, surpassing ₦9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024, thus increasing the federal government’s ability to support state-level initiatives.
These financial interventions have played a crucial role in driving economic growth and development in Benue State.
Regional Development, Healthcare, and Education
Significant strides have been made in improving regional development, healthcare, and education in Benue State:
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North Central Development Commission (NCDC) – President Tinubu has assented to the bill establishing the NCDC, which aims to address developmental challenges in the North Central region, including Benue State.
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Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) – Increased federal attention has led to improved funding, infrastructure upgrades, and academic programme expansion, strengthening the institution’s ability to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo – The hospital has benefited from enhanced federal support, including the provision of modern medical equipment, increased personnel, and improved funding for specialist services, elevating its status as a referral centre for quality healthcare delivery.
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Infectious Disease Control Centre, Vandeikya – The federal government has approved the establishment of this centre to address the rising prevalence of infectious diseases in the state.
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Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu Ojapo – This newly established institution underscores the federal government’s commitment to advancing agricultural education and research in the region.
These developments are critical in enhancing the well-being and intellectual capital of our citizens.
Agricultural and Economic Development
Recognising agriculture’s importance in food security and employment, the administration has:
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Revitalised Agricultural Programmes – Initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and supporting agribusinesses have been introduced.
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Industrial Support – The government has provided assistance to local industries to drive economic diversification and create jobs.
These measures are revitalising the agricultural sector, with positive implications for food security and rural livelihoods.
Commitment to National Security and Stability
On security, we commend President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to deploy more resources and personnel to safeguard lives and property across Benue. However, we believe that tackling insecurity requires proactive collaboration between the federal and state governments.
“As representatives of the people, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability in Benue State. Within the full scope of our legislative powers, we will continue to advocate for and facilitate the necessary interventions to end the cycle of violence in our communities. Furthermore, we are determined to champion initiatives aimed at rebuilding affected areas and exploring avenues for compensation and support for displaced farmers, whose resilience remains the backbone of our state’s economy.”
Conclusion
In light of these achievements, we, the Benue APC National Assembly Caucus, reaffirm our unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are confident that his visionary leadership will continue to propel Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
We call upon all Nigerians, particularly the people of Benue State, to join us in endorsing President Tinubu for a second term.
Let us work together to build a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Signed:
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Senator Titus Zam
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Senator Emmanuel Udende
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Hon. Dickson Tarkigir
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Hon. David Ogewu
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Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher
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Hon. Terseer Ugbor
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Hon. Asema Achado
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Hon. Philip Agbese
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Hon. Sekav Iyoryom
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Hon. Regina Akume
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Hon. Blessing Onuh
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Hon. Solomon Wombo
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