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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has promised to establish specialised healthcare, geriatric units for elderly people in hospitals across the state, pledging free basic treatment and minor surgical procedures for the senior citizens, if elected as governor in 2027.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said the initiative forms part of a broader agenda focused on security, accessible healthcare, pensioners’ welfare and prudent management of public resources.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, he argued that the government has a moral and constitutional responsibility to provide care for the elderly, who have spent their productive years contributing to society.
According to him, the proposed geriatric units would be equipped to provide specialised medical attention in a conducive environment, with elderly patients receiving free basic healthcare services and minor surgical interventions.
“We have a duty to care for our elderly people who are in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and older. Beyond the government’s 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,” Aondoakaa said.
He stated that healthcare and security would rank among the foremost priorities of his administration, stressing that the government must guarantee both the safety and well-being of citizens.
He said: “Our healthcare system must be responsive to the needs of ordinary people, especially the vulnerable and the elderly. At the same time, the government must take seriously its responsibility to protect lives and property because security is the foundation of development.”
On livestock management and the recurring debate over ranching, he maintained that ranching is fundamentally a private business venture and should not be driven by the government.
He said: “Ranching is a private enterprise. The government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to take over the business itself.”
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He also criticised the continued hardship faced by many retired civil servants, expressing concern over the non-payment of pensions and gratuities, despite what he described as the substantial financial resources available to the present administration in the state.
He argued that workers who dedicated decades of service to the state should not be subjected to uncertainty and deprivation after retirement.
“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.
He further contended that the payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities should not be presented as an accomplishment by the government, insisting that such obligations are fundamental responsibilities of public administration.
“Salaries and pensions are not favours; they are obligations arising from the relationship between the government and its workers. Fulfilling those obligations should be routine and not something that is celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” he added.
Turning to infrastructure development, the PDP flag bearer promised a more consultative and professionally driven approach to project execution, saying major government projects would be subjected to rigorous scrutiny to ensure value for money.
He said ministries, technical experts and other relevant stakeholders would be actively involved in project conception and implementation to ensure that public investments address the actual needs of citizens.
“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 stated.
Aondoakaa also pledged to draw more extensively on the expertise of career civil servants, describing the public service as a reservoir of institutional memory and technical competence that has been under-utilised.
“Our civil servants possess invaluable knowledge and experience. They understand the workings of the government and should be actively involved in planning and implementing development projects. We must make better use of that expertise,” he said.
