The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, Prof. Terhemba Shija, has promised to deploy drones, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other security technologies to tackle insecurity, vowing to shut down Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and return displaced residents to their ancestral homes if elected in 2027.
Shija, a university don and former Benue State Commissioner for Information, also pledged to serve for only four years, saying his intention was to complete Governor Hyacinth Alia’s tenure.
He made the promises during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Makurdi, where he outlined his proposed agenda for security, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, governance and economic development.
Describing the prolonged stay of displaced persons in camps as unacceptable, Shija said his administration would prioritise restoring security in affected communities to enable residents to return home and resume their livelihoods.
“When I come in, the camps will be closed immediately. It is demeaning caging the people in one place and giving them food,” he said.
‘I’ll Confront Insecurity Head-On’
On security, the NDC candidate accused the Alia administration of downplaying the scale of attacks on communities, insisting that his government would adopt a more direct approach to addressing the crisis.
“I will do exactly the opposite of what Alia is doing. I will not deny that there is genocide in Benue. Alia is saying there is peace in Benue, that there is only little skirmishes. I will not do that. I will do the things they are not doing,” he said.
Shija vowed to confront armed groups attacking communities and farming settlements, adding that he would not allow political considerations to prevent decisive action.
“Secondly, I will rescue this land from the hands of the invaders. I’m not going to take permission from anybody, I’m interested in facing security squarely. I will leverage on technology, all forms of approaches, kinetic and non-kinetic,” he said.
He explained that his proposed security strategy would combine surveillance technology with other operational measures to protect rural communities, secure farmlands and restore residents’ confidence.
“I will employ the use of drones and install CCTV, as well as engage in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity. My police will be like the military,” he added.
Citing the killing of 271 people in a single night last year as an example of the scale of violence confronting the state, Shija said such an incident would have prompted an aggressive response under his leadership.
“If I were the governor and you kill 271 people as was done last year in one night, it will be my own 9/11, then entire world will come to Benue. I will make life uncomfortable for everybody,” he said.
He argued that restoring peace would enable displaced farmers to return to their communities, restart agricultural production and contribute to Benue’s economic recovery.
Promises Local Government Autonomy
Beyond security, Shija promised to respect the independence of the legislature and judiciary, assuring that his administration would allow all three arms of government to perform their constitutional duties without executive interference.
He also pledged financial and administrative autonomy for local government councils, promising that council allocations would be made available for development projects and essential services.
“If I come in as governor, all local governments would have their money to the last kobo and if you mismanage money, I will send you packing, we would charge you to court and if you are found guilty, we will send you to jail,” he declared.
The governorship candidate said council chairmen would be empowered to determine development priorities in their areas but would be held accountable for the management of public funds.
He added that the Benue State House of Assembly would retain its oversight responsibilities over local government administration.
Targets Jobs, Healthcare, Water
Shija also outlined plans to improve healthcare delivery, expand access to water and create employment opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
He said his administration would prioritise residents’ welfare and pursue policies to revive Benue’s economic fortunes.
The former commissioner lamented what he described as the failure of successive administrations to sustain the development foundation laid by the state’s former first Republican governor, Aper Aku.
Recounts 2023 Governorship Contest
Reflecting on his political journey, Shija recalled his governorship ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, alleging that the party’s primary election was manipulated in favour of Alia.
He said challenging the outcome in court had strengthened his determination to pursue his political ambition.
“I have never lost an election. I had been elected to the House of Representatives,” he said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Shija claimed that attempts to prevent him from securing the NDC ticket had failed and insisted that he remained determined to challenge the incumbent.
“They couldn’t succeed to stop my nomination now. Let them see what will happen. I will be governor whether a former governor likes it or not. I can’t be defeated,” he declared.
