Benue State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu has given reasons for wanting to occupy the exalted seat of the governor of the state at the expiration of the tenure of Governor Samuel Ortom.
Speaking yesterday evening at his Otukpo residence while hosting the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue South chapter, Engr. Abounu, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers said he is propelled by his burning desire to help transform the development status of the state, using the creative energies and opportunities available in the state.
He said that of all the aspirants seeking the office, he stands out as the most experienced, and the most prepared for the task, having served the state in three different administrations, from Special Adviser to late Governor Moses Adasu to state commissioner under former Governor George Akume for 8 years and now deputy governor in the current administration.
He explained that aside from being well versed in all matters concerning governance of the state, his wealth of experience garnered over time from his many years of service in both the private and public sector, where he rose to the top, makes him the best qualified and prepared aspirant to take over from Governor Samuel Ortom in 2023.
He disclosed that the desire to serve the people is his main motivation for coming out to contest the governorship seat, and not any appetite or desire to acquire wealth or make a name for himself as one time governor of the state.
The deputy governor traced his history as an orphan from an early age and acknowledged the hands of God in his journey through life. According to him, without God, he would have been nothing.
He expressed confidence in God’s ability to turn things around in his favour and called on the ministers to join him in prayers for God’s blessings.
Responding, the CAN, chairman, Benue South, Apostle Johngrace Ochigbo thanked the Deputy Governor for calling them and entrusting his aspiration into the hands of God. He assured him that they will join him in prayers as he requested adding that they are not unaware of his rich credentials, his capacity, experience, integrity and ability to deliver on critical assignments, factors, he said have endeared him to people of the state.
All the speakers among them, the CAN chairman Of Obi local government. Rev Apostle Patrick Adum; Rev Timothy Oki, CAN chairman, Apa local government and zonal CAN Secretary; Rev O. Ada, CAN deputy chairman, Okpokwu local; Rev James Audu, CAN chairman Ohimini local government area; Pst. Timothy Judith, Women chairperson, Apa local government; Rev Chris Ogo, DGSA; Bishop Ben Awodi, state Adviser PFN Benue; Prophet Godwin, OAIC zonal chairman; Very Rev FR. Emmanuel Odufu, assistant Secretary, CAN Benue State; Very Rev Fred Onoja, CAN chairman Otukpo local government and Chief George Alii, chairman, Otukpo local government council, expressed support for the aspiration of Engr. Abounu and his capacity to do a good job of governing the state.
They prayed for him, and blessed his ambition.