Guber Primaries: Emmanuel Jime Emerges APC Flagbearer In Benue
From From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
A former Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr Emmanuel Jime, emerged winner of the APC governorship ticket for the 2019 general elections in Benue.
Jime, the APC flag bearer emerged through a consensus among five other aspirants who stepped down for him yo fly the party’s flag.
Jime emerged after several days of meetings with party leaders, aspurants and delegates.
The other aspirants who stepped down include Chief Akange Audu, Asema Achado, Michael Iordye, former aide to Governor Samuel Ortom, Titus Zam and former House of Assmebly Majority Leader, Benjamin Adanyi.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the aspirants, Akange Audu said they are allowing Jime to emerge as a consensus candidate in the intetest of the party saying they they would want to work together with him to reclaim Benue for APC come 2019 general elections.
Akange Audu said they all voluntarily stepped down and signed an agreement before the leader of the party in the state and other party stalwarts to allow Jime emerge the party’s flag bearer..
Chairman of the electoral panel for APC Governorship primaries in the state, Mr Mutiu Are, who conducted the polls by affirmation, therefore, asked those who were in support of Jime’s candidature to affirm by voice vote.
Matiu Are declared Jime winner after the affirmation of the yes votes saying ” the ayes have it”.
The leader of APC in the state, Sen. George Akume commended the aspirants for their endorsement of Jime as their candidate saying with his emergence, the party will surely reclaim power from the PDP come 2019.
Accepting his victory, Jime thanked fellow aspirants, leaders, and delegates for their sacrifices and called on them to help him deliver the onerous task ahead pledging to rescue Benue from the clutches of underdevelopment and poverty.
While he lamented that the sacrifices of the founding fathers of Benue were being mortgaged by politicians without foresight, Jime said with the support of the party, he will tackle the development challenges confronting the state especially by providing security and welfare to all citizens.
Jime urged solicited support of all party members to enable him redeem the state and assured he will run an issue-based campaign devoid of bitterness and desperation.
