…Laud President’s Projects, Call for Stronger State-Federal Synergy
By Comfort Olayinka
In a major political move ahead of the 2027 elections, the Benue State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
The endorsement, announced at a press conference on Wednesday, positions the Benue APC Caucus as the first in the 10th National Assembly to publicly back Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Led by Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West), the lawmakers cited President Tinubu’s “transformative leadership” and “unprecedented infrastructural and developmental strides in Benue” as reasons for their support.
Highlighting key federal projects in the state, the Caucus pointed to the ongoing construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, the dualization of the 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, the ₦83.8 billion Buruku Bridge, and enhanced support to institutions such as the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.
They also praised initiatives in housing, healthcare, agriculture, and fiscal interventions, including ₦44 billion in federal allocations to the state.
On security, the lawmakers urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify cooperation with federal agencies, stressing that “the fight against insecurity must be a shared responsibility.”
“We commend the President’s efforts, but we need robust collaboration from the state level,” Senator Zam said. “Only through joint intelligence, grassroots security networks, and focused leadership can peace return to Benue.”
The Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s administration and working towards lasting peace, stability, and development in Benue State.
“Our endorsement is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of President Tinubu’s transformative leadership, his unwavering commitment to national development, and the tangible achievements recorded under his administration since May 29, 2023”, he said.
According to Senator Zam, under President Tinubu’s leadership, Benue State has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic activities.
Highlighting Mr President’s notable Infrastructural development in the state, the lawmaker stated:
“Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway – Construction commenced on this 465-kilometer superhighway, enhancing connectivity and economic activities across the involved states.
“Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-Enugu Road – Reconstruction efforts are underway on this critical route, including the addition of a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, aiming to improve transportation efficiency.
“Buruku Bridge over Katsina-Ala River: Approved at a cost of ₦83.8 billion, this twin bridge project will span 1.7 kilometers, facilitating better movement and trade in the region.
“9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road – The dualization of this strategic project aims to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Enugu, Makurdi, Abuja, and northern Nigeria.
“Oju–Cross River Federal Road – One of the most impactful interventions facilitated under the Tinubu administration is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Oju–Cross River federal road — a long-neglected but economically vital route linking Benue to the South-South region”.
According to him, these projects not only stimulate economic activities but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
In the areas of Housing and Social Welfare Initiatives, Senator Zam emphasized, “President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing housing deficits and improving social welfare:
“The construction of 250 affordable housing units in Benue State under the Renewed Hope Housing Estates program aims to provide decent accommodation for our citizens.
“The approval of 1,000 housing units in Benue State as part of the Pulaku initiative reflects a strategic approach to resolving conflicts and rehabilitating displaced persons.
“These initiatives are pivotal in fostering social cohesion and enhancing the quality of life for our people”.
The lawmaker said President Tinubu’s economic policies have significantly benefited Benue State in various areas including, “The allocation of ₦44 billion to Benue State, comprising ₦5 billion post-subsidy removal funds, ₦9 billion Infrastructure Fund, and ₦30 billion Subnational Intervention Fund, has bolstered the state’s capacity to implement developmental projects and provide palliatives to its citizens”.
He added that the administration’s fiscal reforms have led to a doubling of government revenues, reaching over ₦9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024, thereby enhancing the federal government’s ability to support state-level initiatives, noting that these financial interventions have been instrumental in driving economic growth and development within the state.
The Senator stated that President Tinubu’s significant strides had improved regional development, healthcare and education in Benue State.
He highlighted the regional developments in the state to include, “North Central Development Commission (NCDC), the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, Infectious Disease Control Centre in Vandeikya, and the Federal College of Agricultural Technology in Opialu Ojapo.
He said these developments are critical in enhancing the well-being and intellectual capital of our citizens.
Senator also spoke extensively on President Tinubu’s impacts in agricultural and economic development and commitment to National security and stability,
“In light of the aforementioned achievements, we, the Benue APC National Assembly Caucus, reaffirm our unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are confident that his visionary leadership will continue to propel Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
“We call upon all Nigerians, particularly the people of Benue State, to join us in endorsing President Tinubu for a second term. Let us join hands with this administration and collectively work towards a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria”, he said.
On needing the concerted efforts of the FG and Benue State government in tackling insecurity, the Caucus states, “We use this privilege and platform to call on the Benue State government to as a matter of urgency step up her efforts towards using the available resources in safeguarding the people in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“The security personnel posted to Benue State need the support of the Federal government as well as the state government.
“As we know, it takes two tangles; President Tinubu has deployed forces and resources to the state government, the state needs to do more in this regard so that we can get the required results”.
Our Correspondent reports that the following Benue federal lawmakers attended the briefing, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Hon. Dickson Tarkigir, Hon. David Ogewu, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, Hon. Terseer Ugbor and Hon. Asema Achado.
Others are Hon. Philip Agbese, Hon Sekav Iyoryom, Hon. Regina Akume, Hon. Blessing Onuh and Hon. Solomon Wombo.
