Frontline aspirant for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency election, Prof. Kohol Iornem, on Tuesday, March 24, held consultation meetings with Executive Officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and elders of the party in Ushongo Local Government Area (LGA) at Lessel, the LGA headquarters.
Party primaries are due between April 23 and May ending, according to guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Prof. Kohol, who has indicated interest in the election, told the party leaders of his desire to continue building on his existing contributions to the development of the constituency, including working with the Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, when elected.
He also pledged to support the APC Elders’ Forum with a public address system to make easy communication during public gatherings—a promise he has already instructed to be delivered in a few days.
The Ushongo APC Chairman, Hon. Terkimbir Hembaor, described Prof. Kohol as a competent Ushongo son with the wherewithal to represent the federal constituency.
Hon. Hembaor, like other speakers at the meeting, charged Prof. Kohol to bring home development benefits to the party and constituency if he eventually emerges as the winner.
Elders, including Zungwenen Uver, from Mata, voiced support for Ushongo’s bid to produce the next representative for Kwamde/Ushongo Federal Constituency, noting that it is unfair, unjust, and undermining the age-long Tiv political principle of “Ya na angbian” that Ushongo LGA has not occupied the seat in nearly 20 years.
Elder Julius Shaukpar, speaking, referenced the political legacy of Prof. Kohol’s father—a legacy he described as a political era built on kindness and love for brotherhood.
On his part, Elder John Iyo admonished that as the seat has been zoned to Ushongo LGA, the LGA must not just send anyone, but someone who can competently occupy the seat.
Prof. Kohol was accompanied by respected elder statesmen: Hon. Maurice Tsav, Hon. Engr. Jomboh, the APC Point Man for Mbakuha, as well as other members of his consultation team.
