The Ganye Constituency in Adamawa State is gearing up for a by-election to fill the vacant seat in the House of Assembly, following the sudden passing of the APC member. The constituency, dominated by the APC, is tasked with finding a suitable successor. Four candidates, including Hon. Odoji Gamu, Hon. Samson Calvin, Hon. Benjamin Brandford, and Hon. Dona, had contested alongside the late Malik Musa in the previous election. While Samson Calvin has defected to the Labour Party and was chosen as the deputy governorship candidate to Otumba, Hon. Odoji Gamu was appointed as the Director-General of the campaign for Ismaila Numan, and Hon. Benjamin Brandford was appointed as the Director of Security for the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
Youths in the constituency are urging Hon. Benjamin Brandford, a security expert and retired military personnel, to contest the election. Brandford’s impressive CV, which includes experience working with the United Nations Department of Security and as a UN agency security advisor for FAO North East Nigeria, makes him an attractive candidate. His educational background includes:
β MSc in Intelligence and Security Studies from Liverpool John Moore University, UK
β BSc Criminology and Security Studies from National Open University of Nigeria
β Advanced Diploma in Security Operations and Risk Management from International Academy of Disaster and Safety Professionals
β Professional Advanced Diploma in Terrorism, Security, and Intelligence from University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
He has also undergone various professional courses and training, including:
β United Nations Security Professional Certification Course (SCP β 81)
β Professional Certificate in Maritime and Port Security
β United Nations Physical Security Expert Course
β United Nations Security Information Analyst certification
β United Nations Local Security Assistant Course
β Chief Security Officerβs Course
β Private Security Intelligence Officerβs Course
β Executive Training in Humanitarian Assistance and Refugee Management
β Humanitarian Mapping Course
β Conflict Sensitive Program Analysis
β Emergency Trauma Bag First Responder Course
β Proficiency Certificate in Mental Health and First Aid
β Certificate in Security Sector Reforms
β Certificate in Global Terrorism
β Certificate in Project Management
β Safe and Secure Approach to Field Environment β HEAT
β United Nations Course on Working Together Harmoniously
β Prevention of Fraud and other Corrupt Practices
β Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Abuse of Authority
β Preparing and Responding to Active Shooter Incidents
β Clerk General Duties/Office Administration and Secretariat studies
β Professional Certificate in Nuclear Security β Insider Threat
β Professional Certificate in International Relations & Security
β Professional Certificate in National Security and Country Resilience
β Professional Certificate in Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
Brandford is a certified professional in various fields, including:
β Fellow Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators, Nigeria (FIPMA)
β Member Institute of Security, Nigeria (MISN)
β Associate Member, Association of Disaster Managers (MADM)
β Certified Intelligence and Investigation Specialist (CIIS)
β Certified United Nations Security Management Professional
β Certified United Nations Security Information Analyst
β Certified Chief Security Officer (CCSO)
Hon. Brandford is widely respected across major political parties in the state, including PDP and APC, and has a vast network of friends within both parties. His potential candidacy offers an opportunity for unity and progress in the constituency.
In the words of Hon. Brandford, “I am humbled by the support and encouragement I have received from the youths and stakeholders in the constituency. I am willing to serve and work tirelessly to ensure the development and growth of our dear constituency.”
Given Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s willingness to collaborate with capable individuals, now is the ideal time to harmonize and synergize with someone who can complement his efforts. For APC, it’s an opportunity to reciprocate the goodwill and reward a dedicated party member who has given his all. Hon. Benjamin Brandford’s impressive credentials and his potential to bridge the gap between political parties make him an attractive candidate for the by-election.
In conclusion, Hon. Benjamin Brandford’s unique blend of security expertise, academic qualifications, and political experience makes him an ideal candidate to unite and represent the Ganye Constituency in the House of Assembly. However, it is not yet clear if Hon. Benjamin Brandford will return to the trenches to contest the by-election. Only time will tell.
~ LAGOS BASE GANYE YOUTHS CONCERN
PIONEER NEWS 