By Tordue Gudu
Makurdi, the Benue State capital went agog yesterday with an unprecedented ecstasy that trailed the homecoming of the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in this year’s general election, Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba from medical vacation.
The euphoria which reverberated across the length and breadth of the state is still in the air, leaving teeming supporters of PDP and Uba with so much to savour, while the forces of darkness who waited for unfortunate reports about him are left in anguish as their evil heart desires could not come to pass.
That the people of Benue came out in thousands to grace the much anticipated arrival of Rt. Hon. Uba back home to continue with his campaigns to lead the state come May 29 this year is a testament that he is a man of the people.
It may not be out of place to say that as mere mortals made of flesh and blood, we are bound to fall sick or be indisposed sometimes. That was the situation with Rt. Hon. Uba who had to seek medical attention in Germany due to a health challenge.
Sadly, the news of Uba’s condition came with a lot of excitement to some elements of darkness masquerading as political opponents and supporters, as they kept praying for a sad story. But they were left disappointed as God had His own plans; to preserve Uba for the good of the Benue masses.
Rt. Hon. Uba went to the hospital and successfully came back stronger, beyond the expectation of those who are afraid of electoral defeat at the polls and rather wish that their perceived adversaries do not live to participate in the electoral process to the end.
The return of the Vandeikya-born politician to the state after the medical vacation was greeted by a carnival-like reception by the people just to signify how important his aspiration resonates with them.
This is partly because he is about the best option they have to succeed the incumbent Governor Samuel Ortom who has a track record of achievements that require another visionary leader to consolidate the strides being recorded by the current administration.
Surprisingly, most of those who went into wild jubilation over the news of Uba’s ill-health are supporters of a supposed ordained man of God who abandoned God’s call and priestly vocation to pursue earthly glory.
It is however not strange that a man who is desperate for power and can accept the outcome of a dubious primary election because it favours him, would not hesitate to encourage his blind followers to pray for the death of a fellow man just to realize his inordinate aspiration for power. He refused to even send best wishes to Uba as human empathy demands.
Equally worrisome is the fact that a man who has been a woeful failure in over 32 years as priest of the Catholic Church, save for personal enrichment and desecration of the name of God is willing to celebrate the downfall of a man who is known for tremendous achievements in all that he has ventured into.
But it is heartwarming that Uba came home thanking the entire Benue people without exception and reminding them that he is on a mission to serve them all irrespective of political affiliations, tribe, creed and other differences. He has maintained the mien of a man who fears God and is ever-willing to do that which is pleasing in the sight of the creator, unlike others who are out to impoverish the people just as they had done previously when they served in the Lord’s Vineyard.
Uba was also vocal in appreciating the leader of the PDP in Benue state, Governor Samuel Ortom for standing by him and ensuring that he (Uba) got the best of medical attention in Germany when the need arose. That is the mark of a man who is a symbolism of humility and recognition of goodwill.
Even before Uba’s departure for Germany for the vacation, there was no doubt that he was the desired choice of the people and with recent developments, it looks like he has little or nothing to worry about the race to succeed the hard-working governor Ortom as the coast gets clearer by the day.
As it is often said, there is always something to learn from every situation; that is why Uba’s medical trip abroad exposed the evil intentions of individuals who are in romance with those behind the incessant carnage in the state and are sponsoring a certain governorship candidate who has pledged to repeal the state Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state and cede portions of Benue lands to Fulani herdsmen.
If Benue people were not so sure of the enemies within, then they should look towards the direction of those who rolled out the drums to celebrate Uba’s ill-health and their sponsors whose political futures are clearly in jeopardy.
The people may have different desires and aspirations; but they surely have a common patrimony and interest as it concerns their survival and security. They have the knife and the yam, as they say. And it is left for them to decide their own fate come March 18, 2023 when the governorship polls shall be conducted.
For Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, he has all the qualities of the man to succeed governor Ortom and sustain the crusade for the emancipation of Benue people and advancing the cause of the people anytime, anywhere.
His tenure as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly has given the people the opportunity to come to the realization of the fact that he is a rare leader having piloted the affairs of the house for about six years without blemish.
As he has come back strong, hale and hearty to continue with his march towards imminent victory at the polls, it is hoped that the people will sustain their support for his aspiration and believe in the PDP as the real option to maintain the pace of growth and development of the state.
The road may look rough; but victory is certain as the people await May 29, 2023 when Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba shall take the oath of office to serve the people of the state by the grace of God and the consent of the people.
* Gudu is a Concerned Benue Citizen who observes from Abuja.
