Chief Terkura Douglas Pepe is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who was called to the inner chamber of the Bar through dint of hard work, dedication, and integrity. Erudite, yet humble and unassuming, the learned silk recently spoke with The New Times on his aspiration to go to the Senate for Benue North East Senatorial District, a.k.a Zone A and was categorical that “no one is a threat” to his senatorial ambition. Chief Pepe, SAN, also spoke on insecurity in Kwande and Sankera, as well as other sundry issues. Excerpts:
What is the motivation to contest for the Benue North-East Senatorial race in 2027?
The main motivation for contesting the Benue North-East Senatorial seat in 2027 is the current and sincere aspiration of the people of Kwande political bloc to enjoy their fair share of the Senatorial Seat at this time. The people’s aspiration, which I identify with as an indigene of the area, is borne out of a sense of equity and fairness. For whatever reason, the other two political blocs in Zone A, namely Sankera and Jechira, have held the Senate seat between them over the past 36 years. By 2027, the Kwande people would have gone 38 years without enjoying the seat. By the Tiv customary law principle of ya-na-angbian, each of the 3 political blocks in Zone A is entitled to enjoy the seat proportionately or at least once.
The other motivating factor is my sincere desire to contribute my own quota to the socio-political development of my area. I believe that I am well prepared for the job and, armed with a sense of duty, I can deliver the goods.
Are you not challenged by the quantum of the aspirants interested in the same seat and the incumbency factor of the current holder?
Yes, it is challenging to contest any election, be it in a popular setting or not. The candidates who have declared for the seat, especially those from the Kwande axis, are formidable, each with their own unique qualifications. It will take the wisdom of God, the commitment of the stakeholders and the sincerity of the masses to bring out the best among the contestants.
As for the current holder of the office, he is already a big fish in the political field. It is always a huge challenge to run against an incumbent. But I am not intimidated because I am running on the ticket of equity and justice, and on the belief that I can perform the job excellently if given the mandate. In that regard, no one is a threat to me, just as I am no threat to anybody.
What has been the result of the consultation outings so far?
My consultation outings so far have been amazing, awesome. The people, particularly the masses, are excited. There is a massive groundswell of support. I must appreciate the warm embrace that I received in the APC family when I declared on that platform. The people that I have consulted so far have also been motivational in identifying the positives and challenges, and have helped clarify the road ahead.
Kwande, your homeland has been devastated by humongous insecurity. As a Senator, what will you do to restore permanent security at the border corridors of Nigeria-Cameroon and the neighbouring Taraba State?
As a Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, one must confront the incessant security challenges in the area, particularly in Kwande, Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. Benue North East Senatorial District shares an international boundary with Cameroon and an intra-national boundary with Taraba State. These boundary areas have been the loopholes through which armed bandits have infiltrated the affected areas. The boundary areas also serve as hiding places for bandits.
Now, there are two dimensions to insecurity in Zone A. There is the insecurity arising from external aggression, and there is an internal insurrection by armed youth who have constituted themselves into armed gangs. The development of our boundary areas, both international and local, will go a long way toward curbing the menace of insecurity in the long and short term.
Empowerment programs aimed at youth employment will also be a long-term solution. Short-term non-kinetic measures, such as a sincere amnesty and an arms recovery programme, would also be effective. I would, as a Senator, agitate for the creation of an International Boundary Areas Development Commission and a Federal Amnesty Programme for areas affected by internal gangs across Zone A. I would canvass and support massive social investment schemes in the affected areas to cater for the victims of the violence and resettle the internally/externally displaced persons.
Can you present the people of Zone A whom you seek to represent with your strong selling points in terms of antecedents?
My antecedents are zero in the political field. I have dedicated my professional practice to helping the less privileged in society. I am a humanitarian and philanthropist. I acknowledge my human weaknesses. But as a human being, I love excellence and am always pushing the frontiers of human development. The people of Zone A can expect unprecedented improvement in how things are done in my capacity as a Senator.
For the general public, who is Chief Pepe, SAN?
Well, as a politician now, I must answer this question. Otherwise, I detest any form of self-advertisement. I enjoy living a low-profile but quality life. I am down-to-earth and relate well to people across the social spectrum. I love to watch the universe from the vantage point of anonymity. But the love of excellence has taken all that away from me. As a human, I am easy to relate to, speak only when necessary, humble, hardworking, honest, and always striving to excel at whatever task I am entrusted with. I love to apply the best ideas and do not encourage cronyism and mediocrity. I am a team player, putting the happiness of others above mine, and always looking out for the greater good. I believe in the importance of good family upbringing. I believe in having a good family. Above all, I worship and trust God. I love sharing the good things that I have with others who might be less privileged. I love seeing the happiness on people’s faces whenever good things happen to them, and I wish everyone well, always. In that sense, I am naïve. But I think that is the best version of me.
