An architect and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State, Arc. Anthony Ejeh Obekpa, has called for a deep reflection and critical reassessment of the state’s developmental journey as Benue marks its 50th anniversary, saying the promise that greeted its creation has largely given way to disappointment.
Obekpa, who is seeking the Benue governorship under the umbrella of the ruling APC, made the call in a statement issued on February 3, 2026, to commemorate the state’s golden jubilee.
Recalling the creation of Benue State on February 3, 1976, Obekpa said he vividly remembered hearing the announcement on the radio as a primary school pupil, describing the excitement that swept through his household at the time.
Obekpa who is the MD of the popular Shekinah Glory Estate, Abuj, said: “As I reflect on Benue’s 50-year journey, I am reminded of the adage that the journey of a mile starts with a step. I vividly recall February 3, 1976, as a primary school child, hearing the announcement of Benue State’s creation on the radio.”
He noted that the joy was particularly evident among civil servants, including his father, a primary school teacher, who welcomed the emergence of Makurdi as the state capital and the promise of closer governance, inclusiveness and educational advancement for communities in Idomaland.
He spoke with relief about the ease of travel to Makurdi compared to Jos, the closeness of government to our ancestral home, the opportunities for inclusiveness in governance and the advancement of education through the establishment of schools and higher institutions.
The APC governorship hopeful said since its creation by the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, Benue State has been administered by several military governors, including Abdullahi Shelleng (March 1976–July 1978), Adebayo Lawal (July 1978–October 1979), John Atom Kpera (January 1984–August 1985), Jonah David Jang (August 1985), Yohanna Madaki (August 1986–September 1986), Ishaya Bakut (September 1986–1987), Idris Garba (1987), Fidelis Makka (December 1987–January 1992), Joshua O. Obademi (December 1993–August 1996), Aminu Isa Kontagora (August 1996–August 1998) and Dominic Oneya (August 1998–May 1999).
He added that between military administrations, the state also experienced civilian leadership under Aper Aku of the National Party of Nigeria between October 1979 and December 1983, and Moses Adasu of the Social Democratic Party from January 1992 to November 1993.
“With the return to democracy in 1999, Senator Dr George Akume took the helm, steering the state towards development driven by agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation and social growth,” he said.
Obekpa noted that Akume was succeeded by Gabriel Suswam (May 2007–May 2015), Samuel Ortom (May 2015–May 2023) and the incumbent governor, Hyacinth Alia (May 2023 to date), adding that each administration recorded varying degrees of development.
“Each administration came with some level of positive development, no doubt, but the lingering question on every Benue indigene’s mind is whether the journey has met expectations,” he said.
He added, “Have our resources translated into significant improvements in infrastructure, human capital development, socio-economic upliftment and the overall wellbeing of citizens? The honest answer is no.”
According to Obekpa, since 1999, Benue State’s narrative has declined despite its vast human and economic resources.
“This write-up is not a political statement, nor is it a condemnation of any individual or group. It is simply a show of concern for a state and its people who have not benefited from their God-given resources due to greed and mismanagement,” he said.
The APC governorship aspirant further alleged that Benue South, largely populated by Idoma- and Igede-speaking communities, had remained marginalised for decades and reduced to spectators in the state’s affairs.
“A tripod that fails to utilise its third leg will always be unstable. Benue State has three major blocs, yet two have dominated the narrative for too long, and the state continues to struggle,” he stated.
Obekpa called on citizens of integrity to come together to chart a new course for the state.
“Fifty years of stagnation is enough. It is time for a critical review and a new direction,” he said, while congratulating the government and people of Benue State on the golden jubilee.
“Happy Golden Jubilee, Benue State. Long live Benue, long live Nigeria.”