By Joseph Mbashaa & Priscilla Tyolumun
Youths and Elders of Masev, (Ugondo) geo- political extraction in Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency have cried out over their marginalization in the determination of representation in the area.
The Concerned Masev (Ugondo) Youths and Elders made their feelings known at a Press Conference in Makurdi.
Led by Comrade Alexander Terkaa Poor, the youths said they were seeking reliefs on the matter as residents of Makurdi local government for decades and are a major political bloc in Makurdi local government which is part of the constituency.
He said since the creation of the constituency which comprises of Ihyarev, ( Is here, Utyondo and Tyoshin); the Nongov and Masev ( Ugondo), the later have been denied the seat consistently.
According to him, this must be corrected for equity, fairness and justice.
Also, in a presentation he made titled: A Strategic Stakeholders’ Engagement And Call For Equity, Comrade Poor, said, “Following our earlier press engagement on the urgent need to include the Ugondo (Masev) Bloc in the zoning and voting considerations for the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency seat in 2027, we consider it necessary to broaden this call into a strategic stakeholders’ appeal for justice, fairness, equity and balanced political inclusion
“Ugondo (Masev) is not a minority voice seeking charity. We are a major political bloc within Makurdi Local Government and critical stakeholders in the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency structure. For decades, we have contributed immensely in votes, mobilization, campaigns and grassroots political stability. Yet, since the creation of the constituency, Ugondo has never been given the opportunity to represent the people at the House of Representatives under Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency
“The historical succession clearly shows consistent dominance by sister blocs, particularly the Ihyarev bloc, with intermittent representation by Nongov, while Ugondo remains excluded
“This pattern contradicts the Tiv political philosophy of “Ya na angbian” — the principle of rotation, fairness and brotherhood”.
“Our agitation is not confrontational. It is not born out of bitterness. It is a peaceful, strategic and morally grounded appeal for correction of a long-standing imbalance.
“Accordingly, we respectfully call for stakeholders’ support and the Governor’s backing for Ugondo extraction to be considered in the following 2027 political arrangements: House of Representatives – Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency which in the spirit of justice and equity, 2027 should mark the first opportunity for Ugondo; Second Term Mandate – Makurdi South State Constituency (House of Assembly) Where Ugondo currently holds representation, we call for consolidated” and Makurdi Local Government Chairmanship”, he demanded.
“We therefore call on Political Elders and Zoning Leaders to reflect deeply on history and consciously correct this imbalance. Party Leaders and Stakeholders to structure zoning arrangements that promote unity rather than dominance, the Executive Governor of Benue State, as Leader of the Party and symbol of justice in the state, to intervene and guide the process in a manner that guarantees fairness, equity and cohesion within Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency”, he added
The group also demanded that the current occupants of public offices to urgently address the developmental gaps in Ugondo, particularly in infrastructure, youth empowerment, women inclusion, employment opportunities and federal/state constituency projects.
