By Agber Chancha
Reliable information reaching us indicates that some powerful men in the presidency, in conspiracy with the leader of APC in Benue State and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, George Akume have decided that the governorship ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue State should be given to the former Minister of Justice Kaase Aondoakaa.
Aondoakaa who hails from Ushongo local government area of Benue State was minister of justice and attorney general of the federation under the rule of Umaru Yar’Adua. He is remembered by Nigerians as the man who declared that the president could rule from any part of the world.
Impeccable sources say that Aondoakaa has found favour with the Fulani hierarchy and even the herders in the bush as the man who stood with their son till the end. They see in him as the only man who can protect the Fulani interests in Benue State.
He is linked with the powerful family of the late Isa Funtua whose son is bankrolling his campaign with the willing support of the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank.
According to insider sources, Aondoakaa has already met several times with key presidency figures and pledged his unalloyed loyalty with a promise to immediately repeal the anti-grazing law of Benue state to allow Fulani herdsmen and their cattle free passage to Benue lands.
Sen Akume has been reportedly summoned by top presidency men and literally told to ensure that Aondoakaa emerges the candidate of APC in Benue State for the 2023 election.
The recent decision by Akume to zone the APC state chairmanship position to Zone C and particularly to former Deputy Governor, Steven Lawani’s area was therefore a tactical way of shutting Lawani out of the race to pave way for Aondoakaa as directed by the Fulani-controlled presidency.
Lawani is reported to have confronted Akume on why he chose to humiliate him in that manner, but the minister is said to have ignored him.
The next couple of weeks will be very interesting as more APC members in Benue are threatening to cause trouble within the party should the imposition of Aondokaa stand. Even within the Akume camp, there is uneasy calm due to the fear that Aondoakaa will not be loyal to the leader if he becomes governor.
Akume too wants to become the National Chairman of APC so he is prepared to sacrifice anything and betray anyone to get the position.
We will keep you informed about the unfolding scenario.
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