By Amos Aar
Gbenda Terver, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, has instructed youths in Otukpo and the entire Zone C to resist political activities directed against the governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gbenda call during his recent solidarity tour to Otukpo where he was also seen distributing 10kg bags of rice and N2,000 cash to beneficiaries, has however sparked backlash on the internet space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a widely circulated video, Gbenda challenged those criticising Governor Alia to produce their record of achievements in Otukpo and Zone C before seeking the support of the people.
“Where is your scorecard in Zone C? What have you done in Otukpo and Zone C at large before you come here to insult the Governor and insult the President?” he asked.
Gbenda urged the youths to work with stakeholders supporting Alia, saying, “Let’s stand together with all the people who are working with the Governor in Otukpo to resist this kind of thing. Let’s resist this. Let’s vote for them and let’s work with them,” he said.
Gbenda further told the gathering, “From today henceforth, let’s not allow anybody to come to Otukpo and deceive us again.”
The remarks have since generated reactions among some youths in Zone C, with the Office of the National Youth Leader of the Idoma Area Traditional Council demanding an apology and clarification from the governor’s aide.
The group said youths should not be mobilised against fellow Idoma people on account of political differences.
Gbenda ‘s video also shows him distributing bags of rice and cash during the event, soliciting support for Governor Alia ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The hour has come for us to start the game. We are locally on the ground, waiting for all of you. No Alia, No Benue, take it or leave it”, he declared.
The development has generated political heat in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters and opponents of the governor increasingly taking positions on his political future.
Netizens are reactions:
X (formerly Twitter)
@UchePOfficial
Using government influence to weaponize unemployment against political opponents is the lowest of the low.
Yesterday they preach peace, today an aide is openly inciting thugs to block movement.
Benue deserves better than this primitive politics! #Benue #Accountability
@AishaYesufu_Fan
When leaders fail to provide security or governance, the only thing they excel at is sponsoring intolerance. How does blocking an opposition figure visiting victims of insecurity help put food on the table in Benue? Shameful!
@DOma_1
Governor Alia needs to sack and disown that aide immediately.
Silence means endorsement. If youths can be openly incited to block free movement now, what happens in 2027?
Total lawlessness!
@Honourable_Tee
Politics without bitterness should be the standard.
Directing youths to take laws into their own hands while politicians’ kids are abroad schooling is peak wickedness. E no go better for political thugs and their sponsors!
