Dr. Cletus Akwaya has urged members of the Kunav Block in Benue North East Senatorial District to shelve their governorship ambitions and throw their support behind the re-election bid of their kinsman, Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The Kunav Block, which hails from Vandeikya Local Government Area — also the home of Governor Alia — comprises former governorship aspirants who, at a press conference held yesterday in Makurdi, called on their peers to reconsider their ambitions ahead of the 2027 Benue State elections.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akwaya appealed to individuals such as Professor Paul Angya (African Democratic Congress, ADC), Professor Terhemba Shija (ADC), Professor Dennis Tyavyar (People’s Democratic Party, PDP), and Hon. Dominic Ucha (PDP) to support Governor Alia’s second-term bid rather than pursue separate governorship tickets.
Dr. Akwaya emphasized that, traditionally, when a Governor from a particular senatorial district is in office, others from the same zone typically rally behind the incumbent rather than contest against them. He noted that those aspiring for the governorship should now unite to complete Governor Alia’s second term.
Recalling historical precedent, Dr. Akwaya, who served as Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism during Governor George Akume’s administration, highlighted how Akume, from Jemgbagh in Benue North West Senatorial District, received full backing from his kinsman Chief Mike Mku, who had been the governorship flagbearer of UNPP, during Akume’s re-election campaign.
He also cited former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Sankera in Benue North East, noting that none of Suswam’s kinsmen contested against him during his re-election bid, urging Kunav Block members to emulate this pattern by supporting Governor Alia to demonstrate unity and a sense of belonging.
Dr. Akwaya praised the current administration’s “monumental development strides,” stressing that citizens should identify with and support the governor because of the tangible impact on the masses. He called on kinsmen to contribute in any way they can toward rebuilding the state into a legacy that future generations will be proud of.
He added, “A stitch in time saves nine,” urging members of the Kunav Block from Vandeikya to present a united front and demonstrate exemplary conduct publicly, fostering peace and unity.
Those present at the event included Dr. Boniface Jirbo and Dr. Zua Tule, while others, such as pharmacist Peter Chieshe and Chief Mrs. Suzan Waya, were unavoidably absent.