The Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor on Special Duties, Terna-Kester Kyenge, has joined the Logo local government chairmanship race as different political parties prepare for the forthcoming council polls in the state.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP yesterday, Kyenge, who will be contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that he would use his political experience to run the affairs of the local council as stated in his blueprint.
He said: “I want to make an elaborate change in the politics of Nigeria and my area, Logo Local Government. That’s why I chose to contest for chairmanship. For our people to enjoy the dividends of democracy, politics at the local grassroots level needs quality leaders, quality representation and the genuine will to serve.”
The governor’s aide further stated that his ambition to contest the election was borne out of his sincere desire to apply himself and his wealth of experience to the development of the local government.
“The local government, which is the third tier of government, is the closest to the people, but, ironically, it is the least developed, and it is my challenge: to go back to the grassroots, work with the people and work out the way to take care of their needs and challenges and see how we can transform the local system and the local government to make it a better place.”
Debunking the fears that he might use his connections to the governor to his advantage, Kyenge maintained that the governor, as a law-abiding citizen, was ready to allow a level playing ground for all the aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket during the election.
“There is nothing like an upper hand. My boss, the governor, will never support any malpractice.
To him, all aspirants in the party are equal and there will be a level playing ground during the primary election,” he said.
“I strongly believe that I stand the best chance as a result of the developmental projects that I have in my blueprint. Education, good health care, infrastructural and electrification projects will be taken note of,” he noted.
?