…Dismisses 2027 Political Ambition
A former Benue State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Surv. John Tondu, has pledged a ₦30 million educational support scheme for outstanding Ihyarev indigene students who graduate with First Class degrees and wish to pursue selected science-related courses abroad.
Tondu made the pledge during a Christmas celebration and unity get-together he organised for the Ihyarev people drawn from Makurdi, Guma and Gwer-West Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The event, according to organisers, was conceived as a non-political, inclusive and peaceful gathering aimed at celebrating Christmas, fostering unity and strengthening social cohesion among the Ihyarev people.
In addition to the scholarship pledge, Tondu also disbursed ₦14 million for transportation, distributed 300 bags of 50kg rice, and donated 10 cows to community members as part of the Christmas festivities.
Speaking at the event, Tondu, a former governorship aspirant, stressed that the gathering was not politically motivated and stated that he had no intention of contesting any elective position in the 2027 general election.
He said the celebration was organised to share the joy of Christmas, promote unity and harmony, and strengthen bonds of affection as a foundation for meaningful and sustainable development among the Ihyarev people.
The Abuja-based businessman thanked God for His faithfulness in his life and expressed appreciation to the people for honouring the invitation to the unity gathering. He also sought to allay concerns about any hidden political ambition, reiterating that the initiative was purely communal and developmental.
In separate remarks, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, represented by a former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. David Iorhemba, commended the initiative and suggested the institutionalisation of an annual Ihyarev Day to sustain unity efforts.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Goddy Ikyerev, praised Tondu’s leadership qualities and urged him to remain ready for future service if called upon. Similarly, Hon. Upaa encouraged youths to rally around the former commissioner, noting his emergence as a respected community leader.
Chairmen of Gwer-West, Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas—Hons. Victor Ormin, Maurice Orwaough and Joseph Keffi—described the event as a turning point in addressing disunity and urged youths to take greater responsibility for community security.
Speaking on behalf of the Ihyarev academic community, Prof. Cletus Tyokyaa underscored the role of education as a driver of development and pledged academic support for the unity agenda.
An elder statesman, Justice Bokon Utsaha, while acknowledging Tondu’s developmental contributions, called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify efforts to address insecurity and facilitate the return of displaced Ihyarev people and other affected communities to their ancestral homes. He also cautioned youths against viewing politics as conflict and raised concerns over security challenges, particularly in Guma Local Government Area.
The Chief Custodians of the Ihyarev nation, Ter Makurdi and Ter Tyoshin, Daniel Ayua Abomtse, expressed full support for the initiative, noting that disunity had hindered progress despite the community’s abundant human and material resources. They invoked ancestral blessings on Tondu, commending his efforts to promote unity at a critical time for the Ihyarev nation.