From Deborah Mdima Adekaa, Makurdi.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has said the payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities should not be presented as achievements, describing them as basic obligations of government.
Chief Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated this in Makurdi on Monday while outlining his policy priorities ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He argued that workers who had dedicated their productive years to the state deserved to receive their entitlements as a matter of obligation and should not be subjected to hardship after retirement.
“Salaries and pensions are not favours. They are obligations arising from the relationship between government and its workers. Fulfilling those obligations should be routine and not something that is celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” he said.
The PDP candidate also expressed concern over the welfare of retired civil servants, saying pensioners who had served the state for decades should be treated with dignity and provided with their benefits without unnecessary delays.
“Those who spent their productive years serving the state should not be abandoned in retirement. Pensioners are entitled to their benefits and should be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.
Beyond workers’ welfare, Aondoakaa pledged to establish specialised geriatric units in hospitals across Benue State to cater for the healthcare needs of elderly citizens if elected governor.
He said the proposed units would provide specialised medical attention, including free basic treatment and minor surgical procedures for senior citizens.
“We have a duty to care for our elderly people who are in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and older. Beyond government responsibility, it is part of our African culture to honour and support those who have worked hard and sacrificed for society. They deserve access to quality healthcare and dignity in old age,” he said.
Aondoakaa identified healthcare and security as key areas of his proposed administration, stressing that government must prioritise the protection and welfare of citizens.
“Our healthcare system must be responsive to the needs of ordinary people, especially the vulnerable and the elderly. At the same time, government must take seriously its responsibility to protect lives and property because security is the foundation of development,” he said.
On ranching, the former minister said government should focus on creating an enabling environment rather than directly taking over the business.
“Ranching is a private enterprise. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to take over the business itself,” he said.
Aondoakaa also promised greater consultation and professional input in the execution of government projects, saying ministries, technical experts and other stakeholders would be involved in project conception and implementation.
“There will be proper consultation before major projects are undertaken. Our focus will be on infrastructure that improves the lives of the people and delivers measurable value for public funds,” he said.
He further pledged to make greater use of career civil servants in governance, describing them as custodians of institutional knowledge and technical expertise.
“Our civil servants possess invaluable knowledge and experience. They understand the workings of government and should be actively involved in planning and implementing development projects. We must make better use of that expertise,” he said.
The pledges are part of Aondoakaa’s policy positions as political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election intensify in Benue State