The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has promised to establish specialised geriatric units for elderly people in hospitals across the state, with free basic treatment and minor surgical procedures for senior citizens, if elected in 2027.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said the initiative is part of a broader agenda focused on security, accessible healthcare, pensioners’ welfare and prudent management of public resources.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Agate Radio, the PDP candidate said government has a moral and constitutional responsibility to provide care for elderly citizens 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.
“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,” Aondoakaa said.
He said healthcare and security would rank among the foremost priorities of his administration, stressing that government must guarantee both safety and well-being 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 stated.
On livestock management, Aondoakaa maintained that ranching is a private business venture and should not be driven by government.
“Ranching is a private enterprise. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to take over the business itself,” he said.
The PDP candidate also criticised the hardship faced by retired civil servants over non-payment of pensions and gratuities, despite substantial resources available to the present administration.
“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.
Aondoakaa further contended that payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities should not be presented as an achievement.
“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 added.
On infrastructure, the PDP flag bearer promised a more consultative and professionally driven approach to project execution, with rigorous scrutiny to ensure value for money.
“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.
He 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 underutilised.
“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,” he said.