Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on the people of Benue State to renew their hope in the possibility of a better, peaceful and prosperous state as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Aondoakaa, also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Benue State governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, gave the charge in his Independence Day message to the people of the state.
He emphasised that Independence Day should go beyond commemoration of freedom from colonial rule, arguing that it should serve as a moment for sober reflection on whether the promises of independence are being felt in the daily lives of the people.
The PDP flag bearer insisted that for Benue, questions about peace, security and development are particularly urgent.
”Our people desire peace. Our farmers want to return to their farms without fear. Our displaced brothers and sisters want to return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their lives. Our young people want jobs and opportunities,” the former AGF said.
Aondoakaa equally noted that the aspirations of Benue people for roads, schools, healthcare and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive are legitimate and achievable.
He expressed confidence that Benue could rise again, given its fertile land, abundant human capital and resilient population, adding that as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation’, agriculture must remain at the centre of its economic revival.
According to him, farmers cannot produce food when they cannot safely access their farms, hence security must be treated as the foundation for development.
”That is why security must be treated as the foundation upon which every other aspect of development rests. Our displaced people deserve more than sympathy. They deserve the opportunity to return safely to their ancestral lands,” he said.
The senior advocate also stressed the need to create an environment where the private sector could thrive and jobs be created for young people through infrastructure, incentives and skills development.
He envisioned a Benue where local governments would be empowered to bring development closer to the people while public resources managed transparently, adding that the people needs an environment where fairness, equity and justice would guide government conduct.
Aondoakaa who said leadership must never be about the glorification of an individual as the state belonged to all its people, urged Benue people not to surrender to despair despite current challenges, arguing that the difficulties of today must not be allowed to extinguish the hope for tomorrow.
He called for collective effort towards building a peaceful and secure Benue where farmers farm without fear, businesses flourish and displaced families return home.
The former AGF reassured his renewed faith in Nigeria, Benue and above all, his faith in the extraordinary resilience and capacity of the people, expressing optimism that a better Benue is possible with all hands on deck.