By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Nigeria's Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN has raised concerns about the growing presence of terrorists in Benue State and calling on American government to take action by launching airstrikes to eliminate them.
During a new year consultation dinner organized for political stakeholders from both the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue State, Chief Aondoakaa highlighted the urgent need for intervention in tackling the terrorist threat.
"There are terrorists in Benue State. The US air strikes should have started here before going to Sokoto". The US air strikes are long overdue in Benue State.
Those who come to Benue in the name of grazing but have now taken up arms against the indigenes to destroy their sources of livelihood, displace and occupy our land are terrorists.
He emphasized the gravity of the situation, where several Local Governments in the state have been taken over completely by herdsmen, stating that the terrorists have infiltrated the state and are causing unbearable harm to the local population.
Expressing his disappointment with the lack of formal action from the state government, Chief Aondoakaa stressed the necessity for American airstrikes to address the issue effectively.
He underscored the importance of leveraging all available resources, including deploying local security forces by Benue State Government, to combat the terrorists and restore peace in the state.
Chief Aondoakaa also stated his commitment to enhancing security measures in Benue State if elected the next governor and highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among political leaders.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in addressing the security challenges and called for sustained support to prevent further attacks in the state.
Additionally, Chief Aondoakaa expressed his aspiration to govern Benue State, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring the safety and prosperity of its residents.
He emphasized the need for a non-resistant approach to security and condemned the violent actions that have taken place in the state recently, particularly the massacre of over two hundred people in Yelewata Community.
Looking ahead to the future, Chief Aondoakaa envisioned a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria by 2026 and emphasized the significance of strategic partnerships and collective leadership in driving progress.
He acknowledged the role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume as well as former Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom in promoting unity and urged continued collaboration for the benefit of all in Benue State.
Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom commended Chief Michael Aondoakaa for his dedication to humanity, describing him as a man of passion and compassion.
He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa's capabilities and humility, endorsing him as a potential Governor of Benue State based on his experience, track record, and achievements in various roles of responsibility.
He praised the legal luminary for his clean record upon leaving office after serving as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under two different presidents.
Ortom particularly lauded Aondoakaa for his passion for God and humanity, highlighting his leadership qualities and his commitment to peaceful governance.
The former Governor emphasized the need for strategic partnerships in Benue State that transcend party lines, a cooperation among different political parties to uplift the state from its current state of underdevelopment.
He recognized the pivotal role of George Akume in shaping Benue politics and producing three governors after his tenure and called for prayers for Nigerian leaders to make decisions that benefit all, cautioning against insults and vilification of elected officials.
