Since the return of democracy in 1999, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) has been sadly entangled in a turbulent political history, caught in the web of fierce struggles for political supremacy, with attendant social upheavals, political restiveness, bloodshed, bitter rivalry, mutual antagonism and a dislocated political ideology that has hampered development and growth, particularly over the last decade.
A case in point was the unfortunate political upheaval of 2003/2004, which resulted in unimaginable bloodshed, massive destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of innocent residents. Although the crisis tore apart Kwande’s once peaceful character and rich ancestral heritage, it also left behind important lessons for the urgent reformation, rebuilding and reconciliation needed to create a greater Kwande.
Kwande was once the envy, epicentre and pacesetter of educational, political and business excellence across Tivland and beyond. Reclaiming that legacy therefore requires more than political rhetoric; it demands deliberate leadership, reconciliation and a sustained commitment to development.
The emerging phase of socio-political revival in Kwande cannot be dismissed as an accident. It is the product of conscious efforts, deliberate policies and the determination of political thinkers and actors who have chosen to confront the root causes of Kwande’s underdevelopment rather than merely address its symptoms.
At the centre of this new political chapter is Prince Ternenge Moses, who has emerged as a formidable political leader in Kwande, championing an ideology that places the people first and makes their development a priority. His approach has, in many respects, helped reduce the acrimony, suspicion and adversarial politics that have long undermined collective progress in the local government.
Prince Ternenge Moses began by identifying, building and empowering a new generation of leaders from among the people, entrusting them with responsibilities through which they could demonstrate their capacity. One such lieutenant is Mr. Stephen Uta, who has, by his record, demonstrated that effective leadership is possible among the younger generation.
As Executive Secretary of the Benue State Bureau of Solid Minerals, Mr. Stephen Uta has built a record of service marked by a strong human touch and visible political engagement. His activities have earned him recognition beyond the expectations of many, including members of the older political generation.
His emergence as a key political figure and APC pointman in Kwande, therefore, cannot be dismissed as a fluke. To his supporters, it represents the outcome of a leadership journey in which he has been tested, trusted and found worthy of greater responsibility.
Prince Ternenge Moses deserves recognition for identifying and nurturing such leadership potential. He has demonstrated foresight by creating opportunities for emerging leaders and allowing them to prove their capacity, regardless of age.
Like a leader who leads from behind by empowering others, Prince Ternenge Moses has also facilitated key appointments for Kwande indigenes at the Federal level. Kwande now has more than 20 appointments in the administration of Fr. Hyacinth Alia, cutting across the four clans of Nanev, Shangev-Ya, Ikyurav-Ya and Turan.
Beyond political appointments, supporters and associates of Prince Ternenge Moses and Mr. Stephen Uta have also been involved in grassroots empowerment initiatives, including support for small businesses, provision of vehicles and motorcycles, assistance to families struggling with school fees, and healthcare interventions.
Mr. Stephen Uta has also organised free medical outreaches in communities across Kwande and beyond, providing healthcare support to people who might otherwise struggle to access such services. For his supporters, these interventions represent the tangible dividends of democratic participation.
Another significant development is the relationship between civil servants, primary and secondary school teachers, tertiary institution workers, healthcare personnel and pensioners and the administration of Fr. Alia. The administration has maintained the payment of salaries and pensions and addressed outstanding gratuity obligations inherited from previous administrations.
These developments have strengthened the relationship between the government and many workers and pensioners who endured prolonged periods of financial hardship. For them, the political choice ahead of 2027 will be shaped significantly by their experience of governance, livelihood and economic security.
Today, the APC in Kwande presents itself as a more cohesive political family under the leadership of Prince Ternenge Moses, with Mr. Stephen Uta serving as a key leader and pointman. Dr. Felix Kor, the Kwande APC Chairman and a grassroots politician, is also expected to contribute to the cohesion and organisation of the party at the local level.
For its supporters, the emerging political environment represents a departure from the violence, thuggery and needless bloodshed that have, at various times, tarnished Kwande’s political image.
Fr. Alia’s efforts to address insecurity, including the strengthening of security infrastructure through the establishment of an Army base facilitated with support from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with ongoing road projects and political appointments involving Kwande indigenes, have further altered the political conversation in the local government.
Whether these developments will translate into electoral success in 2027 will ultimately be determined by the people of Kwande through the democratic process. But from the perspective of the writer, the signs point to a local government undergoing a significant political and social transformation.
Indeed, Kwande is safe!
AKOSU Emmanuel Lubem, Journalist and Advocate of Good Governance, observes from Adagi Market Square, Ikyurav-Ya.
