Benue: Aondoakaa Vows To Tackle Thuggery If Elected

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, (SAN) has
promised to tackle political thuggery by expanding economic opportunities for young people.

He said if elected in 2027 his government would provide financial support through cooperatives, entrepreneurship schemes and other empowerment initiatives designed to enable youths to become gainfully self-employed and financially independent.

Aondoakaa also said that his administration will work with the private sector to create massive  jobs annually for young people across the state.

Aondoakaa made the commitments while addressing commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, who turned out to welcome him back to Makurdi from Abuja, where he had undertaken political engagements.

Addressing the gathering, Aondoakaa said the energy of Benue youths should be channelled towards productive ventures rather than political violence and thuggery.

According to him, young people need jobs, access to capital and opportunities to develop sustainable businesses rather than being recruited and used as instruments of political intimidation.

He said an administration led by him would encourage the formation of viable cooperatives through which young entrepreneurs, artisans, commercial motorcycle operators, farmers and other groups could access financial support to establish or expand their businesses.

Aondoakaa further pledged that his government would deliberately partner with the private sector through agriculture, agro-processing, MSMEs, construction, manufacturing, technology, services to stimulate investment and employment opportunities.

The PDP candidate also spoke against what he described as the development of personality cults around political office holders.

He said he would not permit supporters to adopt the slogan “No Aondoakaa, No Benue”, insisting that Benue State belongs to its people and is greater than any individual occupying the office of governor.

Aondoakaa said leadership should be about service to the people rather than elevating an individual above the state or its people.