By Tor Solomon
Many are familiar with the biblical story of Joseph, the son of Jacob. When Joseph had a dream, his brothers became envious. Yet, God loved Joseph’s brothers just as much as Joseph, teaching us that we can sometimes feel jealousy toward those whom God is positioning to help us.
Consider this: at the age of 17, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers because of his dream. He endured 13 years of suffering in prison before rising to the position of prime minister. Meanwhile, his father was wealthy, and his brothers enjoyed their lives while he was suffering. When famine struck, they traveled to Egypt for food and found Joseph there, ready to provide for them. Throughout those years, God was preparing Joseph to ensure that his brothers did not suffer. Interestingly, while one might expect the world’s savior to come from Joseph’s line, he actually came from Judah, Joseph’s brother.
The people of Kwande have long been denied the opportunity to hold the senate seat of the Benue North East Senatorial district. The district is made up of Kwande, Sankera and Jechira blocs. Sankera has produced the senate six times, Jechira thrice but Kwande have not had their Son or daughter in the red chambers. In 2023, when Senator Martin Iorsamber addressed the issue of Kwande’s representation, many politicians became envious, hiding behind party loyalty to criticize and undermine his candidacy. Those of us who prioritize Kwande over personal gain rallied behind him—Comrade Paul Akunda, Dzenda Terpase, Adoo Terhile, Awuna Pius, Chief Aondoawase Akpen, and several other young minds joined us in this cause. Among the supportive elders were the late Simon Kwaghbula, Chief Sylvanus Gasarah, Pastor Robert Geri, and Arch Paul Akoso. We printed over one hundred thousand flyers and distributed them across 84 council wards in Zone A as we went round the zone.
Our campaign message was straightforward: Sankera has had the seat five times, Jechira three times, but how many times has Kwande had its turn? Why is that? Each time someone from Kwande steps forward for the senate, they face discouragement, manipulation, removal, or even worse. From Col. Basil Kwembe to Engr. Kyainyon, Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, Charles Ayede, Adaa Maagbe, Col. Benjamin Aboho, and Mimi Adzepe, similar stories abound, with the end result always the same—Kwande has not reached the senate. Iorsamber bravely posed these questions to the Tiv nation, and his message resonated widely among the young and erderly, men and women alike.
Following the senatorial elections, Iorsamber took the bold step of aligning with the APC to support Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Had Kwande a political godfather with foresight, Iorsamber could have become a powerful asset. Regrettably, some who stayed home during the campaign remarked that if Iorsamber lost, they would use it as a stepping stone to contest in 2027.
Now, there is a growing consensus across the zone that the 2027 senate seat should go to Kwande. Those of us who campaigned in 2023 understand why the “KWANDE FOR SENATE” message is gaining traction—someone has ignited the fire. Iorsamber did the conscience awakening. Just as Joseph went to Egypt to prepare for his family’s arrival, Iorsamber advocated for Kwande’s needs. The future of Kwande will depend on how it capitalizes on the groundwork Iorsamber laid in 2023, which remains a topic for future reflection.
Tor Solomon
Adikpo London, Kwande
