BENUE State Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, has said that he would be leading the charge for power shift in the state.
Abounu, who is of Idoma stock, said it’s time to end the domination of the Tiv ethnic group in the political leadership in the state, which he said has existed for 46 years.
The deputy governor spoke yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja shortly after he picked the party’s form to run for governor in the 2023 election.
Abounu said the Benue people, both the majority Tiv and the minority Idoma are united in the quest to effect change in 2023.
Stating that he’s well-equipped to succeed Governor Samuel Ortom, the deputy governor said he had garnered the requisite leadership experience over the years.
He said: “I have been Special Adviser in the state in one administration, commissioner for two times in another administration and now deputy governor for two terms in the current administration.
“With the experience behind me, with my level of education and with my level of social interaction in the state, I have got what it takes to take our state to the next level.
“I think I am very vast in terms of experience and knowledge to be able to govern Benue State.
“This is why I brought myself and I am presenting myself to the people of Benue state to accept me and give me the opportunity to serve them come May 29, 2023”.
Describing his relationship with Governor Ortom as very cordial, Abounu said he enjoys the trust and support of his boss.
“I have never had a single quarrel with Governor Ortom in the past seven years we have worked together.
“My governor understands me and I understand him. We are together in virtually everything that we do.
“He trusts me so much to the extent that he sends me to represent him at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum meetings, the National Economic Council meetings, and even to the Council of States meetings whenever he’s indisposed.”