Iorfa Akpen
The Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has opened a live room called the “Political Arena” at NUJ House, Makurdi.
Think of it as a town hall, minus the noise. Candidates will now sit down, face journalists, and answer real questions from real people. No more press releases that say nothing.
Council chairman Comrade Bemdoo Ugber said the idea is simple. Connect the people running for office directly with the citizens who will vote. He wants conversations that stick to issues, not insults.
The goal, according to Ugber, is to push democracy beyond slogans. When voters hear plans straight from the candidates, they can actually weigh their choices. Less guesswork, more facts.
He drew a line too. Campaigns that thrive on division won’t get a pass here. Ugber warned parties and aspirants to drop the personal attacks and focus on solutions. Politics, he said, should be about service and growth, not ego.
The chairman laid out what Benue actually needs on the table. Security, jobs, schools, hospitals, farming, and roads. He insisted the state deserves leaders who put people first, not their own ambitions.
Mr. Babs Usigbe, who chairs the Public Forum and Political Affairs Committee, called the arena a rare chance. He said it gives candidates space to lay out their vision without the usual crowd noise and distractions.
One of the first to step up was Hon. Gideon Inyam. He’s running for Buruku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In his chat with journalists, he promised representation that actually listens and works for the people.
So the message is clear. Benue’s political talk is moving from street corners to a structured room. Ideas over insults, plans over propaganda. And voters get the front row seat
