20/12/2024
UGBOR: KWANDE MAN OF THE YEAR ?
By Iorliam Shija
Many people, I, inclusive, didn't give Hon. Terseer Ugbor any chance when he threw himself in the ring to contest for the House of Reps, Kwande Ushongo/ Federal Constituency. This was so, not just because of the turbulent nature of the constituency but, also about the fact that Hon. Ugbor came so naive and looked fragile ! But as the year comes to an end, nearing his second anniversary as a law maker , many , including the writer , are gradually changing that perspective about the "New kid on the block" of Benue politics. I'm already asking the big question that "what is next for him ?"
Since 1999, when Hon. Moses Akuha Tor Gbande, incidentally, also from Ikyurav- Ya like Hon. Ugbor, represented the people at the beginning of the Fourth Republic, to when Hon. Ugbor came on the stage , no one has won second term in that constituency!
After Hon. Gbande finished his first term, it was Terfa Atii that took over from 2003 to 2007 , then Hon. Chile Wanger Igbawua 2007 to 2011 . Hon. Godwin Aboho took charge of the constituency from 2011 to 2015, then Barr Iorember Wayo from 2015 to 2019. It was the turn of Bob Aondona Tyough from 2019 to 2023.
If one looks at the composition of the constituency carefully, then the lopsidedness in representation in favour of Kwande Local Government as at against Ushongo is so glaring since 1999. Since then , about seven people have taken charge of that constituency, and amongst these ONLY TWO are from Ushongo. A whopping five are from Kwande . In 2023, the Ushongo sentiments had already begun to build and Rt Hon. Terkimbir Ikyange was more favoured as compared to Hon. Ugbor .
Then , in all ramifications, Ikyange was more suitable to have the nomination in APC and slug it with Bob Tyough who was looking for a second term to consolidate power. But maybe out of luck or due to his relationship with the political godfather of Benue , it was Hon. Ugbor who eventually won the nomination and went on to win the general election. His victory, good as it came , had one implication instantly.
It means Hon. Ugbor , whatever he does- no matter how his tenure goes - whether he underperforms or over performs, he would be going for just one term ! In the year 2027, it will be only just and fair , to return the seat back to USHONGO in the spirit of YA NA ANGBAIN.
In Abuja - Hon Terseer Ugbor has demonstrated instant capacity and shown direction. He is accessible, urbane , creative and humane as he shines in the Green Chambers . Most of the people who have met him , admire his astuteness and sense of responsibility!
Back on the murky waters of Benue politics, Ugbor is smart, assertive, collected and forthright! He has brought street vibes and small mischief suitable for a successful political career! Will such a promising political career be jinxed because of tenure ? Or he will be FORCED into something?
I will be answering that question next year . This year, I have elected to appreciate Hon. Ugbor and tell him publicly that he has beaten the imagination of some of us who didn't support him in 2023 -he is doing well. I can conveniently vote him as my Kwande politician of the year 2024.
Iorliam Shija is the publisher of Kwande Source News .
20th December, 2024.
