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Nigeria Decides: Tension, uneasy calm as Benue South elects David Mark’s replacement after 20 years
Today, the people of Benue South senatorial district would for the first time in 20 years vote for a new leader to represent them at the Senate.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, former military Governor of Niger State, Senator David Mark has been the occupant of the senatorial seat.
For the first time in 20 years, the people of the zone would be casting their votes without Mark in the race.
Mark, President of the 6th and 7th Senate is stepping aside, having contested for the seat five times and won all, including a senatorial rerun in 2016.
A trip across the nine local government areas in the senatorial district by DAILY POST showed that there is palpable tension and uneasy calm in most areas visited.
At villages and market squares, people were seen debating over who should be the right person to represent Idoma and Igede communities at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
Although, over 16 persons are currently in the race to step into the ‘big’ shoes of Brig. Gen. David Mark (rtd), but three persons are candidates to watch in this historic election.
Among the three top contenders are: Former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Steve Lawani of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Mike Okibe Onoja, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
Another person to watch out for in this election is Usman Abubakar (Young Alhaji) of the Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance, APDA.
How they stand…
Abba Moro (PDP)
In Idoma land, the name Moro is like an anthem. During our tour of the nine local government areas that made up the senatorial district, his name was on the lips of people.
Most people believed he has no opponent as far as the senatorial race is concerned.
Most of them said Moro would be returned elected because of the employment opportunities he gave to people of the area when he held sway at the ministry of interior and his magnanimity.
Political analysts believe that it would be a clean sweep for him in Otukpo, Okpokwu (his country) Ohimini, Apa, Agatu and most likely, Ado.
However, observers said the votes in Ogbadibo, Obi and Oju would be divided among the top contenders, including Young Alhaji.
Among the three top contenders, Moro is the youngest but the peoples’ favourite.
He would be banking on the people to ‘pay’ him back for his past records.
Also, Benue South has been dominated by the Moro’s PDP for 20 years and story might not change this time around.
The youths and women folks would likely go this way.
Steve Lawani (APC).
He’s fondly called the ‘silent achiever.’ Reserved and calm, Lawani, former Deputy Governor of Benue State is a man to watch in today’s election.
A man of few words but highly rooted.
Lawani believes that blowing trumpet about one’s political achievements is unnecessary, hence, reason he’s not talking what he did as deputy governor of the state for eight years.
In Ogbadibo, which is his territory, it might not be a clean sweep for him because most of Moro’s strong men hailed from this area.
Lawani would find Owukpa a hard nut to crack but Orokam and Otukpa may stand for him.
He is believed to be banking on federal might for a smooth ride.
Lawani would sure get good votes from Oju and Obi (Igede nation) might not be big enough to settle the score.
The elderly men would toe this path.
Mike Onoja (SDP)
Two major odds against Chief Mike Onoja in today’s election is his age and political instability.
Within the last four years, Onoja, who is beleived to be in his 80s has pitched his tent with three different political parties.
Before the 2015 general elections, Onoja was in the race for the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket.
However, on the day of the primary between him and the then Senate President, David Mark, Onoja announced his withdrawal from the race and declared his support for Mark, having spent millions of naira canvassing for votes.
In 2016, he announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress during the rerun, citing the wind of change blowing across the country as his reason.
Surprisingly, in 2018, Onoja made a second return to the PDP and declared his ambition for the Senate but lost woefully during the party’s primary to Moro.
Consequently, he defected to the SDP and was given the party’s senatorial ticket, which was hitherto held by Adakole Ijogi.
Most people don’t really trust his judgement and political calculations.
Even in his country home, Ado, Onoja may not pull reasonable votes due to a long-standing royal tussle in the area.
Most of his votes might come from Igede community (Oju and Obi).
Few Igede elders would go for him.
While one may not be bold enough to predict the result of today’s election, it won’t be unwise to say that it is going to be a battle between the federal and the local mights.
No doubt, the area is tensed; the people are in suspense and waiting eagerly to see a new face at the Senate after 20 years of ‘Markmania’.’
The battle is on.
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
