Shior Makes Strong Push For Igbo Political Inclusion In Benue

Shior Makes Strong Push For Igbo Political Inclusion In Benue

By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi

For decades, many Igbo families have built businesses, raised children and contributed to the economy of Benue State.

Yet, their growing economic influence, according to a House of Representatives hopeful, must now translate into greater political participation and representation.

Dr Emmanuel Shior, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, has urged the Igbo-speaking community in Benue to take a more active role in the state’s political process, insisting that their contributions deserve equal recognition and opportunities.

Shior made the call shortly after receiving the traditional title of Ogwe Ndi Igbo from the Igbo community in Benue State during celebrations marking its 50th anniversary in the state.

He argued that members of the community, many of whom have lived in Benue for decades, should be regarded as bona fide residents with the right to vote, seek elective office and participate fully in governance.

“The Igbo people are everywhere in Nigeria. Their business activities take them across the country and beyond, but they should also be actively involved in the political process wherever they reside,” he said.

The former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said his commitment to inclusiveness was reflected in his record in public service under former Governor Samuel Ortom.

He recalled that his responsibilities at SEMA included attending to vulnerable people and residents across ethnic backgrounds, including members of the Igbo community.

According to him, access to government support and opportunities should not be determined by ethnicity, stressing that the Igbo community forms an important part of Benue’s voting population.

Shior described his conferment with the title, Ogwe Ndi Igbo, as a recognition of his contributions to the development of the state and longstanding relationship with the community.

He said the honour also represented the confidence the community had placed in him and a responsibility to strengthen the relationship between the Igbo and other ethnic groups in Benue.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the PDP candidate appealed to the community to support his ambition to represent Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He described the Igbo community as an integral part of the PDP family in Benue, noting that no member of the community was currently contesting the constituency’s House of Representatives seat.

“They are part of the constituency, and I believe they should be involved in deciding who represents them at the National Assembly.

I am appealing for their support to enable me to win the House of Representatives seat for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in January 2027,” he said.

Shior explained that the title, Ogwe Ndi Igbo, symbolised his role as a bridge between the Igbo community and the wider Benue population.

He pledged to sustain the relationship and promote peaceful coexistence, political inclusion and mutual understanding among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.

His appeal places renewed attention on the political participation of migrant and long-settled communities in Benue, particularly the need to convert their economic contributions and population strength into a stronger voice in democratic decision-making.