₦airaland Forum

By Esther Daniels

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on the people of the state to remain united in the task of moving the state forward.

The Governor spoke Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi shortly after the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governorship candidate for next year's polls.

Hon. Uba defeated five other aspirants with 731 votes to emerge the PDP guber flag bearer at the primaries.

An elated Ortom who was addressing party delegates at the venue of the governorship contest amidst shouts of joy shortly after Uba was declared winner, stated that the successful conduct of the exercise was a reflection of the people's will.

The Governor praised the peaceful and transparent manner in which the party governorship primary was conducted, noting that it was a collective victory for Benue State.

He pledged to continue offering purposeful leadership direction for the party in the State in order to win the 2023 general election.

The Speaker while reacting to his declaration as the PDP gubernatorial candidate expressed gratitude to the party for choosing him to fly its ticket at the general election.

He assured that he will justify the confidence reposed in him.

Hon. Uba also expressed appreciation to his fellow constestants in the governorship race for the maturity and brotherliness they displayed towards each other and enjoined them to join hands with him to further add value to the State.

According to the Governorship candidate, he considered his emergence as a responsibility to rally⁷ round all Benue people toward uniting and moving the state forward.

Speaking to reporters on the general conduct of the primaries, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Abba Moro and Orker Jev in their  separate remarks described the process as "peaceful and transparent" and expressed optimism that the PDP candidates will win at the general election.

In all, 14 governorship aspirants were cleared to contest in the primary election.

But at the venue of the primaries, 8 out of the 14 aspirants, including, Chille Igbawua, Paul Orhii, Dominic Akaahan, Susan Waya, Donatus Akumbur, Paul Ubwa, Joe Ikyaagba and Boniface Jirbo had earlier withdrawn and declared their support for Hon Uba.

They urged their supporters to vote for the party's preferred choice, citing the interest of the party as their reasons for withdrawing from the race.

Out of the 14 governorship aspirants who were earlier cleared to contest and with the withdrawal of 8, six participated in the primaries.

They include the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, Titus Uba, Prof Dennis Ityavyar, Dr Paul Angya, Engr Ben Akaakar and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha.

Chairman of the electoral panel, Oyebode Ojomu who announced the results said 851 delegates were accredited for the exercise with 20 votes recorded as invalid.

Hon Uba polled 731, Engr Abounu 81, Prof Tyavyar 2, Ucha 1 and Engr Ben Akaakar got zero vote.

Earlier, while commenting on the process of the election, the three Senators Representing the state, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Orker Jev and Abah Morro said with the transparent manner with which the primary election was conducted, the party has remained strong to go to the polls and defeat other parties.

By Esther Daniels

Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has congratulated Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba, over his emergence as Governorship Candidate of the party at its State Congress held in Makurdi.

The Benue State House of Assembly Speaker won the majority of votes cast by delegates at the gubernatorial primary election of the party held at the Aper Aku stadium on Wednesday and was declared candidate for the governorship election scheduled to hold in 2023.

In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom Wednesday night, the party described as credible, the result of the election in which Engr. Uba scored 731 votes out of a total of 851 accredited votes to emerge victorious over the incumbent deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu with 81 votes, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar 2 votes, Barr. Paul Angya and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha with a vote each, and Engr. Benjamin Akaakar with no vote in the field of 6 aspirants.

"The party acknowledges and deeply appreciates the sacrifice and magnanimity shown by the other aspirants who stepped down from the race to fast-track a rancour free process of nominating a Guber Candidate.

"Those noble party stalwarts who sacrificed their ambitions and at the venue of the primaries openly professed deference to the supremacy of the party, include, Chairman of the Forum of PDP Governorship Aspirants, Barr. Chille Igbawua and 7 others, among them Mrs. Susan Nguveren Waya.

"Our great party specially appreciates its leader, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, former Senate President, Dr. David Mark, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Emmanuel Orker-Jev and Abba Moro, BoT member, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, Members of the House of Representatives, the State Assembly, the G-14 and G-9 groups of elders as well as stakeholders of the party.

"We hail the resilience and undying faith of our teeming members in the state, being it the spine of the party, which has seen it emerge victorious from one election year to another in the state since it was founded in 1998", the statement added.

It further stressed that PDP in Benue state remained reliant on the unity of purpose among its leaders and members, "such as has engendered a mature internal democracy culture, the sort that gave birth to the free, fair and transparent primary election today which, surely is the envy of our opponents, yet unattainable to them".

By Esther Daniels

The Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Benue State governorship election.

Uba emerged after defeating other aspirants at the primary election which was held in Makurdi, the State Capital, on Wednesday, 25th May, 2022.

He polled a total of 731 votes to defeat the incumbent deputy Governor, Egnr. Benson Abounu, who got 81 votes.

Addressing party faithful shortly after his emergence, Uba dedicated his victory to the party delegates and God Almighty.

He said, "One of the greatest days of my life is today. And I want to give this to the delegates of our great party who have made this moment what it is now. Those who have come together to give me an opportunity to fly the flag of our great party the PDP come 2023".

He thanked the aspirants that stepped down to give way for his emergence as the governorship flag bearer.

He urged those who contested the primaries with him and lost to join hands with him to ensure the victory of the party at the general election in 2023.

By Esther Daniels

Senator Abba Moro has emerged as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the Benue South senatorial district election.

Moro who is the incumbent senator defeated three other aspirants to clinched the ticket.

He polled a total of 179 votes while his closest rival, Hassan Saleh scored 72 votes. The two other aspirants, Joseph Ojobo and Bright Ogaji got 53 and 3 votes respectively.

Speaking with journalists in Otukpo, shortly after he was announced as winner, Sen. Moro said his victory is not about him but the people of Benue South.

He called on the other aspirants that lost at the primaries to join hands with him to work for the progress of Benue South Senatorial District.

"Today I have won, therefore, I enjoin the people to feel happy about this result. And those that lost to join hands with me to develop Benue South senatorial district," he said.

"This election is not about me, it's not about them. It is about our people; the future of our people, the development of our people and the advancement of our people. So, let everyone join hands with me let us all work for the progress of our land," Moro added.

Journalists were barred from entering the venue of the Benue South Senate primaries of People's Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday.

Our correspondent reported that the newsmen were not allowed to cover the primary election which held at the Otukpo local government secretariat.

Journalists from both print, electronic and new media were stranded at the gate after security operatives chased them away from the venue.

A chieftain of the party had earlier promised to call the press inside when the process commenced. But as at 5:00pm when most of the delegates had voted journalists were still not allowed to enter.

Some of the reporters and cameramen from television houses expressed their frustrations, lamenting that they would not be able to report the event without recording.

"I am came all the way from Makurdi to cover this event, but I am being denied access to mount my camera. They (security personnel) should allow us (TV reporters) enter because without recording we can't make our report unlike the new media and print," one of the TV reporters lamented.

"We went to cover Benue Northeast and Northwest senate primaries, and we did not have this kind of situation. Everything was transparent. I am calling on the leadership of the party in Benue South to fix the situation in a matter of urgent," he added.

By Esther Daniels

The newly elected candidate for the House of Representatives in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Pastor Ojotu Ojema, has attributed his victory at the Sunday's primaries to an act of God.

Ojema polled a total of 27 votes to pick the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, while his closest rival, Melvin Ejeh scored 24 votes.

Reacting to his victory on Monday, Ojema who is the immediate past Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Benue State, said it was God who saw him through the whole process.

He also acknowledged the exemplary leadership of Governor Samuel Ortom and the PDP secretariat in Benue State for the transparent nature of the primaries, while lauding the effort of the electoral officers, the security and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"My emergence is an act of God. It was God who clearly showed me that I would emerge a winner and it was done. He has promised me in life that whatever I desire, I would get and this goes a long way to confirm it.

"I'm equally indebted to Governor Samuel Ortom and the leadership of our great party. I appreciate in good measure also, the efforts of those involved in the electoral process and more than anything else, my dear delegates who have found me worthy of this ticket. I'm not taking it for granted. I shall always be on my toes to ensure that I justify this great confidence they have reposed on me", Ojema said.

While appreciating the spirit of sportsmanship of his fellow contestants, Ojema also extended the arm of fellowship to them, for unity of purpose in other to deliver PDP at the general elections.

By Joseph Itazi

Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. David Olofu, has lauded the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for conducting a peaceful primaries for House of Assembly and House of Representatives across the state on Sunday.

Olofu, who is the Chairman of Forum of Commissioners for Finance in Nigeria, also acknowledged the efforts of the electoral officers, various security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for making the process transparent and credible.

While monitoring the exercise in his Apa local government area on Sunday, Hon. Olofu told Journalists that the process was very transparent and peaceful, attributing it to the wisdom of Governor Samuel Ortom and the party leadership at the state at ensuring due process and diligence.

"From the distribution of materials, to deployment of electoral officers and the eventual conduct of the primaries across the state, we must give it to His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom and the party leadership at the state.

"What I have seen so far today in Apa and from what I gathered from my colleagues across the state, the exercise is already a huge success.

"The process is peaceful, transparent and credible too. We must not fail to acknowledge the role of the security agencies, INEC and the electoral panel, especially, those who conducted the primaries in Apa.

"Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate the House of Assembly candidate for Apa State Constituency, Hon. Abu Umoru, the House of Representatives candidate for Apa/Agatu, Hon. Ojotu Ojema and all other candidates that emerged across the state.

The primaries for the House of Assembly in Apa saw the emergence of Hon. Abu Umoru pulling 25 votes against Hon. Matthew Adobunu who came a distance second with 9 votes, while Hon. Ojotu Ojema pulled 27 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Melvin Ejeh who scored 24 votes in the House of Representatives contest.

By Esther Daniels

Following the unanimous decision to adopt Rt. Hon Titus Uba as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue State by the leaders of the party from the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas more Governorship aspirants have resolved to tow the party's decision. 

Hon. Uba had earlier been endorsed by the party's stakeholders from the 14 Tiv local governments as the consensus candidate for the 2023 governorship seat. 

The aspirants restated their stance, Friday, May 20th, 2023 after a meeting with Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Gabriel Suswam at the Benue People's House Makurdi to finalize their consultations ahead of the party's primaries. 

The meeting, which lasted for several hours had eight of the aspirants saying that they decided to throw their weight behind the consensus candidature of Hon. Uba for the sake of the party and the people of the state they had sought to govern. 

Chairman of the Forum of PDP Governorship aspirants in the State, Barrister Chille lgbawua stated that eight out of the twelve of them that purchased their nomination forms have agreed to work together to ensure that the consensus candidate of the party is returned at the forthcoming primary election without rancour. 

He said they were committed to following all the processes prescribed by law and ensuring that due process was followed in support of Hon. Uba so that at the end of the day, their agreement would be lawful. 

Igbawua who was flanked by Governor Ortom, Senator Suswam and the other aspirants also said their meeting was to consolidate on their decision and resolutions when ten of them met Thursday, May 19th, 2022 on the matter. 

He expressed gratitude to Governor Ortom for encouraging peaceful dialogue among the aspirants toward a common ground noting that, for them, "the interest of the party was supreme and paramount." 

They pledged to also support the conduct of free, fair and credible governorship primaries in the state. 

The aspirants include Arc Joe Ikyaagba, Dr Jibo, Susan Waya, Dr. Paul Ubwa, Dr Paul Orhii, Dr Akumbur and Dr. Dominic Akaahan.

On Thursday, May 19th, some other aspirants had earlier declared support for the consensus candidature of Hon. Uba, who is the current Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.

By Esther Daniels


The former governor of Enugu State and Senator representing Enugu East senatorial district, Senator Chimaroke Nnanani, has described as a ruse, falsehood and malicious report, that he or his aides attacked anyone at a meeting with party delegates in Enugu.

Senator Nnamani maintained that the scheduled meeting with party delegates of the People Democratic Party (PDP) from two local governments of the state was held at the open arena in the council secretariat of Enugu North Local Government Area under a convivial atmosphere.

The meeting with delegates is to seek their support for his re-election to the senate in 2023. His first outing in the senate was between 2007 and 2011 while he won election for a renewed term in 2019.

In a statement in Abuja, Senator Nnamani said on arrival at the venue of the meeting he went round to greet the delegates.

He stated that On getting to the pavilion where many delegates were seated, he noticed that there was an altercation between a group of suspected thugs and security operatives over an attempt to break into the security ring around him.

According to him, a scuffle ensued when the former chairman of Enugu South local government area of Chiene I. Chiene confronted the security men and reportedly held the rifle sling of an operative.

Other security operatives swooped on him in an attempt to retrieve the rifle, as the former council chairman dared them .

Any further escalation was however averted when he (Senator) intervened with appealed to all parties for calm.

He said calm was restored immediately and the consultations with the delegates followed smoothly .

Senator Nnamani was pleased that he used the avenue of the meeting to render an account of his stewardship in the upper legislative chamber just as he solicited their support in the forthcoming PDP senatorial primary.

"My people were pleased with my accomplishments so far and they promised to return me to the Senate in 2023”, he stressed .

The Senator added that the delegates were also addressed by Ofor Chukwuegbo representing Enugu North/South and party leaders. They all pledged to the success of the primaries in Enugu state.

By Esther Daniels


Elders and key leaders from the five districts of Utange in Ushongo local government area have pledged their allegiance and support to Governor Samuel Ortom and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

They bared their minds Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 when they paid the Governor a solidarity visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi. 

The Utange leaders were led by the Ushongo local government chairman, Hon Joseph Asawa and Elder Annum Ipo. 

They said they decided to openly declare their support for the governor following the recent resignation and defection to the opposition APC by one of their sons, Tahav Agerzua. 

Chairman of Ushongo local government council, Hon. Asawa who first spoke said, "We have come to pledge our loyalty and allegiance to you, we appreciate you for the school projects, hospital, ongoing construction of the road that leads to Lessel and several appointments we enjoyed under you. 

"It was you who made it possible for Utange to produce the chairman of Ushongo LGA for the first time. We, therefore, pledge our total loyalty to you and the PDP," the Ushongo council chairman who also hails from the area maintained. 

Speaking in a similar vein, Elder Annum Ipo told the governor that the people of Utange "Are indebted you for the extreme love you showed us. We don't support the decision of our son (Tahav Agerzua) to resign from your administration and also join the APC. We are not a party to it." 

"We remain loyal to you. We plead with you to give us more projects and appointments, particularly the Principal Special Assistant position previously held by our son, Tahav Agerzua." 

In his response, Governor Ortom thanked the Utange people for coming back to appreciate him in the little efforts his administration is doing for their community and assured them that he will continue to do more before he leaves office. 

He said he was not bothered by the resignation of his erstwhile aide but encouraged by the support given him by the leaders of Utange people and pledged that he will continue to do his best for the people of the area. 

The governor used the occasion to advise the people of the state to go out and revalidate their voter cards and those who have now attained the age of 18 years to register so that they could vote in the forthcoming general elections.

By Esther Daniels


Elders and key leaders from the five districts of Utange in Ushongo local government area have pledged their allegiance and support to Governor Samuel Ortom and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

They bared their minds Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 when they paid the Governor a solidarity visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi. 

The Utange leaders were led by the Ushongo local government chairman, Hon Joseph Asawa and Elder Annum Ipo. 

They said they decided to openly declare their support for the governor following the recent resignation and defection to the opposition APC by one of their sons, Tahav Agerzua. 

Chairman of Ushongo local government council, Hon. Asawa who first spoke said, "We have come to pledge our loyalty and allegiance to you, we appreciate you for the school projects, hospital, ongoing construction of the road that leads to Lessel and several appointments we enjoyed under you. 

"It was you who made it possible for Utange to produce the chairman of Ushongo LGA for the first time. We, therefore, pledge our total loyalty to you and the PDP," the Ushongo council chairman who also hails from the area maintained. 

Speaking in a similar vein, Elder Annum Ipo told the governor that the people of Utange "Are indebted you for the extreme love you showed us. We don't support the decision of our son (Tahav Agerzua) to resign from your administration and also join the APC. We are not a party to it." 

"We remain loyal to you. We plead with you to give us more projects and appointments, particularly the Principal Special Assistant position previously held by our son, Tahav Agerzua." 

In his response, Governor Ortom thanked the Utange people for coming back to appreciate him in the little efforts his administration is doing for their community and assured them that he will continue to do more before he leaves office. 

He said he was not bothered by the resignation of his erstwhile aide but encouraged by the support given him by the leaders of Utange people and pledged that he will continue to do his best for the people of the area. 

The governor used the occasion to advise the people of the state to go out and revalidate their voter cards and those who have now attained the age of 18 years to register so that they could vote in the forthcoming general elections.

By Esther Daniels

…Demands Zone C Senatorial seat 

Stakeholders from Obi and Oju local government areas of Benue State have distanced themselves from the militant agitations for governorship by the Benue Rebirth Movement, BRM, in the forthcoming general elections. 

The Igede extraction who call themselves G-2 have also demanded that the Benue South Senatorial seat be conceded to them in the spirit of fairness and equity. 

The political leaders from Igede who were led by Hon Samson Okwu, House of Representatives Member for Obi/Oju Federal Constituency spoke Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 when they paid a solidarity visit to Governor Samuel Ortom at the Benue People's House, Makurdi and pledged their unconditional loyalty to the leadership of the Governor. 

On the agitations by the Benue Rebirth Movement, BRM led by AVM Monday Morgan, the Igede leaders said they have observed recent political developments in the State and were satisfied with Governor Ortom's "Fatherly and well-intended advice to the Benue Rebirth Movement and other similar pressure groups of zone C to the effect that they should dialogue with their Tiv Brothers so that all major parties should zone their gubernatorial positions to the zone." 

They said they were not a party to the militant approach of the leaders of the Benue Rebirth Movement for the actualisation of an Idoma governor and will continue to stand with Governor Ortom to find a democratic solution to the governorship seat for the party in the next elections. 

Chief Ibe further noted, "We are appealing to our brothers in Zone C to concede the position of Senate to Igede during the upcoming 2023 general election for equity and fairness." 

They also appreciated Governor Ortom for the recognition he has given to the Igede nation in his administration, pointing out such areas as the creation of first class Chiefdom, appointments of Igede sons as Head of Service and Auditor General of the State as well as the restoration of peace in the Bonta and Ukpute-Ainu Ette border crisis. 

While calling on the Governor to sustain the security patrol of the area and demarcation of the borders, the stakeholders pleaded with the Governor to re-mobilize contractors back to the site for completion of the rehabilitation work on Awajir-Oju road as well as the construction of the Aliade-Mbakine- Obarike-Ito roads. 

Governor Ortom in his response thanked the stakeholders for the visit which he noted was an encouragement to sustain efforts at turning around the fortunes of the area. 

The Governor commended the resilience of the Igede people despite the prevailing challenges, stressing that he was happy for the support they gave him toward resolving the Bonta-Okpute crises. 

Governor Ortom encouraged the Igede stakeholders and people of the State generally to remain united, cautioning that actions and utterances to disunite the people along ethnic lines will not be in the best interest of the State's progress and development. 

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all parts of the State are given equal opportunities to participate in leading the State irrespective of ethnic background. 

Others who spoke during the solidarity visit were Chief Ode Age, Hon Egbiri Idaa as well as the Zonal C PDP Chairman, Hon David Owulo.

By Esther Daniels

Ahead of the Party primaries to elect candidates for the 2023 elections , former Governor of Enugu state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani has called for peaceful conduct of the exercise urging aspirants to play the game according to the rules .

Addressing delegates for the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu East Senatorial District on Wednesday, Senator Nnamani told his people to wear the garment of sportsmanship even as he reminded them of the need to elect people of proven record of integrity and accomplishments in the interest of the people .

He dismissed as spurious, allegation that he, alongside his security aides, manhandled one Chiene I. Chiene during his consultation with stakeholders in Enugu North local government headquarters.

Conversely, he said, “it is the height of calumny and mischief for anyone to accuse me of beating up a constituent. I waded in to calm the situation when some miscreants had confrontation with security operatives.

“The security operatives were civil. The delegates were in a convivial atmosphere and our consultation went smoothly.

“I used the occasion to reel out my scorecard in the Senate so far and my people are pleased with my quality representation. To crown it all, they asked me to take a bow and go. It is a rare honour done to me. I pledge as always not to fail them”.

Senator Nnamani expressed confidence in the people to exercise their civic responsibilities in a peaceful environment devoid of acrimony, reiterating that “politics is a game that has rules”.

He counseled against politics of desperation and bitterness saying “let the wishes of the people prevail“.

The former Governor expressed appreciation to the people for the trust and confidence reposed in him over the years and assured them that “whatever is your concern , interest and welfare will always be my responsibility “.

The delegates were also addressed by Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo representing Enugu North/South federal constituency, the council chairmen of Enugu North/Enugu South LGAs, state legislators from the two councils and party leaders.

Senator Chimaroke Nnamani MD, FACOG
Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD

By Esther Daniels

Ahead of the Party primaries to elect candidates for the 2023 elections , former Governor of Enugu state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani has called for peaceful conduct of the exercise urging aspirants to play the game according to the rules .

Addressing delegates for the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu East Senatorial District on Wednesday, Senator Nnamani told his people to wear the garment of sportsmanship even as he reminded them of the need to elect people of proven record of integrity and accomplishments in the interest of the people .

He dismissed as spurious, allegation that he, alongside his security aides, manhandled one Chiene I. Chiene during his consultation with stakeholders in Enugu North local government headquarters.

Conversely, he said, “it is the height of calumny and mischief for anyone to accuse me of beating up a constituent. I waded in to calm the situation when some miscreants had confrontation with security operatives.

“The security operatives were civil. The delegates were in a convivial atmosphere and our consultation went smoothly.

“I used the occasion to reel out my scorecard in the Senate so far and my people are pleased with my quality representation. To crown it all, they asked me to take a bow and go. It is a rare honour done to me. I pledge as always not to fail them”.

Senator Nnamani expressed confidence in the people to exercise their civic responsibilities in a peaceful environment devoid of acrimony, reiterating that “politics is a game that has rules”.

He counseled against politics of desperation and bitterness saying “let the wishes of the people prevail“.

The former Governor expressed appreciation to the people for the trust and confidence reposed in him over the years and assured them that “whatever is your concern , interest and welfare will always be my responsibility “.

The delegates were also addressed by Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo representing Enugu North/South federal constituency, the council chairmen of Enugu North/Enugu South LGAs, state legislators from the two councils and party leaders.

Senator Chimaroke Nnamani MD, FACOG
Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD

By Esther Daniels


In a bid to strengthen the PDP family ahead of the 2023 general elections, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 visited former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at his sprawling Maitama residence in Abuja.

Governor Ortom served as  Minister of State, Trade and Investment and later the supervising Minister of Ministry of Aviation by President Jonathan.

The duo met behind closed doors for more than 40 minutes and discussed frankly.

Although none of them spoke to the press when they came out, they were beaming with smiles with the former President exchanging pleasantaries with everyone on the Governors entourage.

It is believed that the fortunes of PDP and the victory of the party in the forthcoming general elections may have been central in their discussions.

Some of the Governors aides who accompanied him included Dr James Anbua, Principal Special Assistant, Hon. Steven Amase, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor and Hon. Abrahams Kwaghngu, Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, Director, Benue State Liaison among others.

Some constituents of Godday Samuel Adagboyi, the lawmaker representing Apa/Agatu at the House of Representatives have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission over the alleged involvement of the lawmaker in COVID-19 loan kickbacks.

The lawmaker and his aides were accused of collecting kickbacks from their constituents who applied for the COVID-19 loan.

In a petition written by Barrister James Hope of Choicevine Legal & Consulting, on behalf of Mr. Sunday Philip and Mr. Ehoche J. Ehoche, it was alleged that Godday and some of his aides, they identified as Ekah Benard Musa, Hon. Ogweje Usman Ngbede (Victor) and several others were accused of mismanaged, extorted, criminally conspired and diverted the COVID-19 intervention funds/loans meant for the benefit of some constituents in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency Of Benue State.

The petition sighted by our reported further alleged that in some instances, the COVID-19 intervention funds/loan were paid by NIRSA Microfinance Bank directly into a bank account belonging to one Mr. Benard Ekah Musa who is a senior legislative aide to the Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi which funds were then dispersed indiscriminately to some selected constituents using a partial consideration.

They called on the anti-graft agencies to without delay invite the lawmaker and his aides for questioning over the allegation.
They promised to provide more details when called up by the anti-graft agencies.


The petition reads below;

Our Clients are social/developmental right crusaders and public accountability advocates. The Commission would recall that there was a global lockdown owing to the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in 2019.

The Commission would further recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria released various amounts of funds to citizens so as to cushion the negative impacts of the lockdown. Some of the covid-19 intervention funds were packaged in the form of soft loans while others were disbursed in the form of outright grants.

It is common knowledge that the Covid-19 intervention funds/loans were principally disbursed by the Central Bank of Nigeria's funded NIRSA Microfinance Bank.

It may interest the Commission to know that Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi is the current House of Representatives' member, representing the good but impoverished people of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

The other suspects mentioned herein are his aides. Our clients had received numerous complaints from some constituent members of Apa/Agatu Federal constituency regarding the disbursement of the covid-19 intervention funds/loans.

It was alleged that the office of a certain Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi connived with some staff of the NIRSAL Microfinance bank to receive kickbacks out of the amount of monies of the covid-19 intervention funds/loans released to the constituents. The alleged criminal scheme involved the suspects mentioned hereto in this petition and some other aides of the Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi wherein it was that they collected various sums of monies out of the covid-19 intervention funds/loans via their bank account numbers on the false pretence that the kickbacks were needed by the CBN personnel in order to facilitate future fund release.

It was also alleged that in some instances, the Covid-19 intervention funds/loan were paid by NIRSA Microfinance Bank directly into a bank account belonging to one Mr. Benard Ekah Musa who is a senior legislative aide to the Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi which funds were then dispersed indiscriminately to some selected constituents using a partial consideration.

It is strange why NIRSAL Microfinance Bank Political would allegedly pay loan monies belonging to numerous beneficiaries into a single bank account of a political aide for disbursement is an abuse of due process and capable of breeding corruption.

This allegation of criminal conspiracy needs to be painstakingly investigated so as to restore the waning hope of the citizenry of any future intervention programmes that may be embarked upon by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

It was also alleged that Some of the constituents who were the beneficiaries of the Covid-19 Loans were also deceived and directed to remit various sums of money in cash out of their covid-19 intervention funds/loans and same were handed over to the aides of the Hon Godday Samuel Odagboyi and some other persons nominated by them.

OUR PRAYERS: Our clients respectfully pray and urge the Commission to specifically undertake the following actions viz:
i Conduct a thorough investigation into the above mentioned suspects with a view to determining their involvements in the covid-19 intervention funds/loans alleged fraud.

ii To thoroughly examine the staff of the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank and the relevant public/civil servants and to also x-ray and carefully analyze all the bank account numbers and other financial records of the Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi, Benard Ekah Musa, Hon. Ogweje Usman Ngbede (Victor) and any other aides, cronies, staff, friends, political/business associates and family members with a view to determining whether the Hon. Godday Samuel Odagboyi unlawfully derived any direct or indirect pecuniary benefit from the proceeds of the kickbacks of the Covid-19 intervention funds/loans meant for the constituents of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

iii To thoroughly investigate NIRSA Microfinance Bank and determine whether all the laid down due-process were followed in the release of the covid-19 intervention funds/loans to the constituents of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and show whether any unauthorized persons were allowed to illegally benefit from the covid-19 intervention funds/loans in an improper manner contrary to the CBN guidelines and the anti-corruption policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

iv To interact with the constituent members of the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency so as to determine the extent of the fraud scheme and the quantum of funds involved with a view to taking appropriate restorative/recovery measures against the fraudsters and their cronies.

v To investigate and prosecute any person or persons found to have committed any infraction in relation to the covid-19 intervention funds/loans released to the constituents of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency. vi Extend the investigation to cover any other covid-19 palliative materials meant for the constituents of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency with a view to determining if there has been any element of diversion, material hoarding, theft and embezzlement contrary to the extant Nigerian penal laws.

CONCLUSION:
Our clients are available and they will be eager to provide any relevant information and documents at their disposal and to also take the team of investigators to interface with the victims of the covid-19 intervention funds/loans alleged scam to aid their investigation.

Our clients wish to use this medium to pledge their unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his anti-corruption crusade. Our clients truly count on the Commission's wise and prompt action, please.

[sup][/sup]By Esther Daniels

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will present Nigeria with the leadership that will take the country out of the socioeconomic pains it is currently passing through in the hands of the APC-led federal government.

The Governor stated this Sunday, May 15th, 2022 when he received former President of the Senate and a PDP presidential aspirant, Senator Bukola Saraki who was in the state to canvass support from delegates ahead of  the party's presidential primaries.

The Governor expressed confidence in the ability of Senator Saraki to fix multiple challenges facing the country if given the opportunity.

He described him as a politician who has distinguished himself and is known for defending the cause of justice and fairness.

Governor Ortom commended Saraki for the peaceful manner he has been going about his campaign and urged him to maintain a harmonious working relationship with other presidential aspirants.

The Governor acknowledged how the former President of the Senate always identified with the state in its trying moments, saying he has distinguished himself as a true friend of the state.

Earlier, Senator Saraki recalled that the history of his presidential ambition will be traced to Benue State, saying his declaration journey began in Makurdi the state capital.

He said Nigeria needs a courageous leader  that has the capacity to deal with issues, stressing that he will be firm in tackling insecurity and will address the injustices meted out to citizens by the current APC administration.

Saraki maintained that Nigeria is at a defining moment in its history and needed a president that could unite the country, stressing that "Without unity, there cannot be progress."

While lamenting the insecurity that has engulfed the nation, he pointed out that the next president must be bold and courageous to put an end to it.

He called on the delegates to support him to emerge the party's presidential candidate, noting that it was high time Nigerians supported someone from the North-Central region to lead the country.

The State Chairman of PDP, Sir John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of the delegates prayed God to grant Senator Saraki success in his aspiration.

By Joseph Itazi

Bearing in mind the similar scenarios in the Federal Constituency in 2011 and 2015, a group of legal practitioners within the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has urged the screening committee of the party to disqualify Engr. Sunday Oche, over a pending case of forgery standing against him.

Engr. Oche, who seeks to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State under APC, was arrested last Sunday, 8th May, 2022, in Otukpo and detained at the Force Headquarters, on the order of the Chief Magistrate Court, Bwari, Abuja.

He has, however, been released on bail by the Nigeria Police.

One Mr. Michael Unogwu, the APC candidate for the Federal Constituency had dragged Engr. Oche before the court, for forging his signature and private letterhead papers with which he "criminally" wrote a purported letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the 2018 primaries, causing the electoral umpire to substitute his name with that of Oche.

Barrister Emmanuel Agada and Barrister Abraham Onoja, Convener and Secretary of Enone APC Young Lawyers Forum respectively, in a letter of concern on behalf of APC lawyers in the Federal Constituency, dated 14th May, 2022; expressed great worries that, if Oche is allowed to fly the flag of the party, what befell the Federal Constituency in previous times when a candidate was withdrawn after winning an election, over pending forgery case, would repeat itself.

"In the light of all these, we are constrained to urge our great party, to excuse Sunny Oche from the contest, as fielding a candidate with such weighty criminal case will impugn the good image of our party before the good people of Enone, as well as, portend grave danger to our longstanding quest to end the decades of PDP misrepresentation in Enone.

"The 2015 scenario where the Enone people voted Hon. Christopher Adaba Abah (a.k.a Mad Lion) as the member representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, only for him to be disqualified by the Court over certificate forgery, and an unwanted Hassan Saleh foisted on Enone people by the court, is still fresh in the minds of Enone people and the electorates will be jittery to vote a candidate who is enmeshed in another certificate forgery scandal, so as to avoid the painful agony of having their votes set aside by the courts.

"This uncertainty will affect the confidence of the electorate and negatively affect our electoral fortune as a party. This we cannot afford at this moment when the APC needs all the votes it can get to defeat the PDP, which has remained the dominant political party in the zone, for decades", the letter reads in part.

The forum also expressed great concerns that the party would be taking a huge risk to field Engr. Oche, "whose attention would be seriously divided between answering to serious criminal allegations and embarking on a rigorous campaign to help the party emerge victorious in the election proper".

The Lawyers stressed that, they did not wish to imagine what would become the fate of the party, if after an exhaustive electioneering and criminal prosecution, Oche is found guilty and subsequently sent to jail, adding that, "since this is a possibility and of high probability, our party must be cautious to avoid the quagmire that might arise from having its candidate, or a representative of Enone, under its platform sent to jail".

"We therefore urge you to use your good offices to direct, order or oversee a swift disqualification of Engr. Sunny Oche from being fielded as the candidate of the party in the Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency seat", the Forum added.

When contacted on phone, Mr. Lawrence Oduh, Director of Media and Publicity to Engr. Sunny Oche Campaign Organization, described the letter as an attempt to "stop a winning candidate".

"This is obviously an a game plan of some persons to stop Engr. Sunny Oche who is a winning candidate. But they arrived late as it would not work. We know their antics already. Let me also tell you that Engr. Sunny Oche has been screened successfully by the committee", Oduh said.

By Esther Daniels


The umbrella body of Idoma/Igede Governorship agitation, Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM) has set up a committee to advise the movement on the zoning and rotation of the Benue South (Zone C) Senate seat in the immediate and the long run.

This was disclosed in a communique issued at the end of the emergency meeting of the Project Management Committee (PMC), held in Otukpo, on Sunday, 15th May, 2022.

The communique was jointly signed by Hon. Joseph Ode (Chairman, Communique Committee), Hon. Agbo Abo and Hon. Gabriel Olofu.

The committee was set up following agitations by the Igede and Agatu.

The communique further disclosed that members of the zoning and rotation committee were given 10 days, beginning from May 15, 2022, to submit their report.

Members of the committee include; Prof. Oga Ajene - Chairman (Obi), Prof. Armstrong Adejo - member (Apa), Dr. Mathias Oyigeya - member (Ogbadibo); Mrs. Patricia Kupchi - member (Oju), Mr. John Echebiogo - member (Otukpo).

Others are; Rt. Hon. Solomon Agidani - member (Agatu), Hon. Agbo Abo - member (Ado); Apostle Johngrace Ochigbo - member (Okpokwu), and Hon. Eche Ijiga - member/Secretary (Ohimini).

The communique added that "BRM/PMC passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Avm Monday Morgan (rtd), National Coordinator of BRM, for providing able and purposeful leadership that has made it possible for BRM to take Zone C's Governorship aspiration to an unprecedented level of success."

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again dared the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The PDP, while reacting to a statement by the APC wherein it described the renditions by PDP and Aides of Governor Samuel Ortom regarding the N38 billion loan approval recently granted by the Benue State House of Assembly to the administration of the Governor as "hogwash", declared that the outcome of the 2023 elections in the state will determine who speaks "hogwash" between the two parties.

The party in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, on Saturday, 14th May, 2022, explained that "after the N69 billion request was made by the Ortom administration to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2015, as the amount required to clear the backlog of salaries and pensions arrears it inherited, the administration got privileged information that only N28 billion was slated to be approved for the state.

"As such it duly sought approval from the Benue State House of Assembly for the amount of N28 billion in line with due process which was subsequently approved and appropriated as Bailout.

"It is by same privileged information the administration now sought and obtained the approval for the N38 billion from the N41 outstanding component of the N69 billion initially sought in 2015."

It said "only a political party befuddled by intentions of negative politics and a media unit run by recruited mercenaries totting mischief as their sole weaponry could label it as "hogwash".

The PDP also frowned at APC's labeling of PDP consensus governorship candidate in the Tiv speaking area, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, as a "genuflecting Daddy's boy", describing it as cowardice.

"The On Benue APC's diatribes against PDP consensus candidate in the Tiv speaking area, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, as a "genuflecting Daddy's boy" who is approving loans for his party's use in the 2023 elections, our great party sympathises with this very early showing of cowardice and capitulation to defeat by the position party.

"It is plain knowledge that Titus Uba alone does not approve loans, but Benue people through their elected representatives in the state's legislature do so, for the good governance of the state, through processes safeguarded and regulated by the rule of law and not 'rule of Uba'.

"PDP understands the morbid fear a lame and "federal might-reliant" Benue APC has for open and free elections, given its wretched track-record and disruptive Kilometer 4, Gboko Road-based internal processes, yet its resort once again to twisting of facts will in 2023 only land it in worse defeat than it suffered in 2019," the statement added.

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has assured all aspirants in the forthcoming party primaries scheduled to elect candidates for next year's general election of fairness and transparency. 

Governor Ortom gave the assurances at the enlarged caucus meeting of the party held Sunday, May 15th, 2022 at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi. 

He stated that in compliance with the amended Electoral Law, 2022, all aspirants who obtained nomination forms and have been screened are free to participate in the primaries, pointing out that he had no anointed candidate for any of the elective positions. 

The Governor reaffirmed his readiness to support and work with candidates that emerge at the primaries, saying the victory of the party in the 2023 polls was his major preoccupation. 

He cautioned against blackmail, stressing that no aspirant should think of using thugs to cause confusion during the party primaries as anyone caught will be decisively dealt with. 

Governor Ortom dispelled insinuations that the party was disunited in the state, pointing out that he enjoys a smooth working relationship with the national chairman of the party and all critical stakeholders. 

The Governor directed the party chairman in the state to furnish all aspirants with the comprehensive list of delegates who would participate in the process. 

The State Chairman of the PDP, Sir John Ngbede in a remark told serving political appointees who have presented themselves as delegates to withdraw from participating in order not to contravene the electoral law. 

Earlier,chairmen of the caucus leaders from the 14 Tiv speaking and the nine from the Idoma speaking areas respectively submitted reports on the ongoing process to arrive at a consensus candidate for the governorship ticket. 

Chairman of G-14, Dr Laha Dzever and that of G-9, Sir Moses Ajima had stated in their separate reports that they were yet to reach a compromise but had resolved to go into the primaries to nominate a governorship candidate for the party.

By Esther Daniels

A top contender for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency seat in Benue State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Phillip Agbese, has narrated how he miraculously survived a ghastly motor accident.

The human rights activist was involved in an auto crash on his way to Otukpo after concluding his local government declaration tour in Ogbadibo, on April 10th.

Speaking for the first time after a month, Agbese said God preserved his life so that he could serve Him more devotedly and touch more lives through philanthropy.

According to him, the accident was the handiwork of his political detractors who wanted him out of the way at all cost.

Speaking to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, the UK-trained lawyer revealed that founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche appeared to him and rescued him from the incident.

He added that the renowned preacher handed him a Bible and a bag containing numerous gift items.

He further revealed that Enenche directed him to use the holy book to spread the good news of Jesus and use the goody bag to reach out to more less privileged people in the nation.

“My life is a testimony. I’m alive by the divine intervention of the Lord,” Agbese said. “It was all planned out by my political opponents to eliminate me. I’m speaking to you by the mercies of God”, he added.

Quoting from the book of Isaiah 59:19, he said “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against them. This is exactly my story.

“I am God’s Minister. God revealed to me that those behind the accident will live to regret it and that I should forgive them. But I love them all and I have forgiven them.

“Nonetheless, I want to appeal to them to change their evil ways and come to Jesus. He is the way, the truth and life.

“Like the disciples, I received the great commission to spread the gospel and touch more lives. These I will do as I continue my quest to bring quality representation to my people”.

Despite this setback, Agbese, however, said he is assured of victory at the APC’s primary, noting that he could not serve God and end up in disappointment.

The Okanga of Agila, as he is fondly called, through his campaign team, recently submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Agbese has pledged to equip the youths through education and ICT, while empowering the women in agribusiness

By Esther Daniels


The Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Forum of Vice Chairmen nationwide, Hon. Azua Ashongo, said each and every Nigerian has had a "full dose of the bitter pill of the misrule and incurably bad leadership provided by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ashongo stated this while delivering a speech at the inaugural meeting of the forum held in Abuja on Friday, 13th May, 2022, saying, the citizens are tired of APC's misrule and are now looking up to PDP to rescue them in 2023.

He therefore, charged his colleagues to go beyond the party membership to work assiduously in mobilising other general voters and pass the message of the "Rescue Agenda" across to them.

He enjoined them to work as a team with the leadership of the party in their various states to avoid unnecessary frictions and bad blood, stressing that "Party Chairmen in local governments under our watch are very critical stakeholders in the Rescue Agenda of our party in the 2023 elections and beyond. We must, collectively integrate them in the running of the party for a more cohesive and fruitful election outcomes."

Ashongo said, "Like our National Chairman, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu said recently, ours is a true democratic party and not a party of pretenders and hypocrites who are destroying our people and making life impossible for them; our economy has gone comatose; insecurity climaxing, hunger expanding and poverty ravaging.

"Our people must hear this and make a choice and, they sure, have only one choice to make. And that choice is to vote PDP back to power in 2023."

By Esther Daniels

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to come clean in its fight against corruption and not be selective as they are currently doing.

Governor Ortom spoke Friday, May 13th, 2022 when he received at the Benue Peoples House, a delegation of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 15 participants from the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja on study tour in the State.

The Governor expressed displeasure over the action of the EFCC to freeze the account of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA meant to take care of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the State.

He questioned the rationale behind the action of the anti-graft agency, stating that the funds in the account were donations from individuals and corporate organizations who were deeply concerned about the plight of the IDPs.

According to the Governor, the anti corruption agency has exhibited the height of impunity by its selective war against financial crimes in the country, saying a situation where the EFCC harasses innocent citizens on politically motivated grounds is unacceptable.

He tasked the EFCC to beam its searchlight on corrupt serving officials in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari who have turned the purchase of  presidential nomination forms of the APC for the forthcoming general elections into a bazaar.

Governor Ortom also called on the Federal Government to rise to its constitutional responsibility to secure the lives and property of Nigerians, pointing out that if  the country must develop economically, security is paramount.

The Governor commended the participants for choosing Benue State as part of their study tour and urged them to take the study seriously and proffer practical solutions to solving the insecurity that has bedeviled the nation.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and a directing staff of NISS, Godwin Ometu told the Governor that the course was a flagship programme of NISS and the syndicate 2 was in Benue State to enable participants obtain first-hand information concerning governance, development and security situation.

He explained that the course with the theme "Global Climate Challenge; Prospects and Priorities for Economic Development" was aimed at fostering interagency synergy and impacting the participants to tackle insecurity challenges, noting that the course participants were drawn from various security formations within and outside Nigeria.

He stated that as part of course requirements, the participants at the end of the programme will submit  recommendations and implementation strategies to the Federal Government and requested the Benue State Government to key into the programme.

The State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, Head of Service, Mrs Veronica Onyeke were among other senior government officials who joined the Governor to receive the NISS delegation.

By Esther Daniels

The Honourable Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo, has felicitated with veteran journalist and the Awaniotun of Agila, Chief Dan Agbese on the occasion of his 78th birthday.

Dr. Ottah Agbo in a statement said Chief Agbese deserves to be celebrated not only for the height he has attained in life but for his humility and readiness to assist others.

He said, "We are pleased to witness another milestone in your life.

'I sincerely believe the Good Lord has blessed you with a prosperous long life for us to continue to tap from your wealth of experience and to drink from your ever flowing fountain of knowledge.

"You deserve to be celebrated not because of the success you have attained in life as Editor of the Nigeria Standard; General Manager, Radio Benue; Special Adviser and Director of Information, Benue State Government; Editor, New Nigeria Newspaper; Co-Founder and former Editor-in Chief Newswatch Magazine and now, Executive Director, May Five Media Limited, but for your humility and willingness to assist and guide others."

The lawmaker prayed God to grant Agbese many more prosperous years in good health and sound mind.

By Sunny Green Itodo

One of democracy's blessings and curse is rivalry. Ordinarily, (healthy) rivalry is supposed to bring out the beauty of democracy as it exposes the "strengths" and "weaknesses" of aspirants to the electorate in order to help them vote the best candidate.

Sadly, in Africa where animal kingdom-styled politickings and "demo-crazy'' is the order of day, it is more or less a curse.

But there is this African politician, a Nigerian at that, whose brand of politics is totally worthy of commendation and emulation.

He’s Chief Phillip Agbese who seeks to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State. He is redefining politicking.

Agbese prides himself as the talking drum of Agila - Okanga.

The UK-trained lawyer and human rights activist has achieved the popularity (and even more) that some politicians often resort to shenanigans and gimmicks to get, even without throwing himself to the mud.

He didn't recreate scenes from Nollywood by staging melodramas to spark reactions or controversies. He didn't take a line from Nigerian politicians' traditional playbook by chiding his opponents for every lows of his life. He didn't encourage pen thuggery and hoodlumism. He didn't play the pity card by resorting to emotional blackmailing or raising false alarms to evoke hate against opponents.

And yet, he is unarguably the most popular candidate in the race.

Okanga, as he is fondly called, I observed, warmed his way into the hearts of the people with his philanthropy, charisma and his philosophy of issues based politics.

Recently, I stumbled across a digital poster from the Philip Agbese Campaign Organization (PACO) with the inscription: PROMOTE YOUR ASPIRANT, Don't Insult Others. Primary and General Election will come and go but You and I will remain.

I was bedazzled by the civility and humaneness shown in that terse but powerful campaign message.

I'm hardly surprised. Chief Phillip Agbese has always been a cosmopolitan and an egalitarian.

Even at his campaigns, he always spoke with a sense of civility; the credence of his voice, so soft and charming as opposed to the vulgarism most Nigerian politicians are known for.

Being a true democrat, Agbese has repeatedly challenged his opponents to a political debate but none has been able to respond.

Aside from the fact that he has the highest academic credentials among the aspirants, Agbese believes rivalry should be an intellectual exercise, and not vulgar political exhibitionism, shenanigans, tantrums and their ilks.

One of his biggest campaigners has been his track records. His philanthropic enterprise and humanitarian works are what endeared him to his constituents, so much that his supporters are across party lines.

When a person sets a good precedent before aspiring for a political office, the urge of resorting to self-ridicule, gimmicks and lies (unrealistic campaign promises) to gain popularity will be easily defeated.

Nigerian politicians can learn a thing from that.

Let me conclude by saying, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and indeed Enone have their best shot in Phillip Agbese.

(Itodo, a Public Affairs Analyst & Newspaper Columnist writes from Abuja)

By Esther Daniels

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State chapter, has said the "campaign of calumny" being orchestrated against the party and its Tiv consensus Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba, by the All Progressives Congress (APC), shows that the opposition was afraid of defeat in 2023.

The PDP in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, on Wednesday, said heavier defeat awaits Benue APC in 2023 than they suffered in 2019, stressing that the APC stooping to "fabrication of fairytale and lies only reflect fear and outright panic going into the coming polls.

The umbrella party urged APC to come to terms with the hard fact that the Benue electorate, in making choices in 2023, will not be fooled by smokescreens of lies and insults on opponents, but would be led to those choices by a combination of antecedents of candidates and track-record of political platforms sponsoring them.

"In this light the latest round of allegations by APC that the N38 billion loan approved by the State Assembly for the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom when obtained will be used as campaign finances for the Speaker, is just another whiff in the opposition smokescreen of lies which the electorate will ignore.

"Detailed clarifications already made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Terver Akase, shows that the N38bn so approved by the Assembly is the balance of an earlier N69bn loan request made by the administration to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2015, alongside other states, for purpose of offsetting inherited arrears of salaries and pensions to workers.

"Out of that request which was tagged Bailout Loan, the sum of N28 billion was granted by CBN leaving a balance of N41 billion, which is the component covered by the latest approval granted by the State Assembly, for which purpose remains ab initio the offsetting of outstanding salaries and pensions to workers in the local and state tiers of government," it explained.

The PDP continued: "APC must also come to terms with the fact that the Benue electorate will appraise the debt profile of the Ortom administration against the highly visible backdrop of infrastructure projects and social amenities it has provided across the state in the face of crippling insecurity.

"The people understand that with the shrunken monthly allocation from Federal coffers, the administration has been constrained largely to rely on borrowing to meet its obligations, same way it has been with other states and as well the 'almighty' federal government.

"They are also well aware that while other states have enjoyed preferential support from the federal government in the forms of grants and interventions all along, Benue has remained marginalised, a fact evident in the lateness of the outstanding N38 billion package coming when other APC controlled states like Kogi received theirs and numerous other interventions years back.

"Regarding APC fairy tales of disunity in the ranks of our great party, the facts stand tall that Benue PDP under Governor Ortom is arguably the most cohesive and robust state chapter of the party, with all members, high and lowly, fused together in common stakeholding.

"Under the governor, the party has adopted ingenious measures in conducting its internal processes and arriving at difficult decisions with unparalleled success, such as the consensus option of nominating candidates.

"These are feats the opposition APC vainly tries to criticise, yet at the same time, attempts to copy, but with poor results owing to their unsuitable character as a party run by an individual for his benefit, that of his family members and selected cronies.

"APC in Benue State as things stand once again is dodging the trail of issues and facts based campaigning, as it did in 2019, and is desperately hoping lies, insults, propaganda and possibly external forces will catapult it to victory in 2023".

By Esther Daniels

The Honourable Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo, has disclosed his reasons for seeking reelection for a second term.

Dr. Ottah Agbo at a meeting with members of the Ogbadibo Legislative Council in Otukpa, on Tuesday, 10th May, 2022, stated that his reelection bid was born of the desire to complete his "liberation agenda".

The lawmaker said rather than the pursuit of personal comfort, his desire to return for the House of Representatives is to enable him complete the liberation agenda of his people from the shackles of ignorance, poverty, disease and underdevelopment which he started doing since 2019.

He said it is his passion to serve that has driven him to fight hard to bring infrastructural development to his constituency, sponsored bills and motions that would impact on his people and uplifted the living standard of his constituents through various empowerment programs.

"I went to the House of Representatives to work for the people, serve the people and not to be served. That is why since I assumed office, I have not bought a car or built a house for myself.

"This is due to my strong conviction that the legislature is for service and for me it has been about work and work and more work.

"Those that understand this will not make public office a do or die affair. I'm not desperate, I only want to complete my agenda for liberating my people," he said.

Dr. Ottah Agbo, who is the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, said it is unfortunate some think being in the House of Representatives is about getting access to travelling abroad and a means of attaining personal comfort because the constituency is in dire need of development.

"I am there and even though I have covered much ground, there's still much to be done.

"My desire is to consolidate the fulfilment of my agenda which is to serve the people and bring more development to my constituency," he added.

The Lawmaker said he is doing all that for posterity and to leave a good name in future.

He thanked the Ogbadibo Councillors for their support and the visit which accorded him the opportunity to interact with them, describing his relationship with the people of Ogbadibo as akin to the love between Romeo and Juliet, adding that he does not take for granted the massive support he enjoys from both the low and high in the LG.

The parliamentarian said he does not regret stepping down for an Ogbadibo in 2015 when he gunned for the House of Representatives seat and promised to secure more jobs for the youths in his constituency, continue the empowerment programs as well as ongoing projects.

"They accuse me of doing so much and I plead guilty to that but I intend to do more because that accusation is one that I cannot deny or shy away from till my people are completely liberated," he stated.

Members of the Ogbadibo Legislative Council pledged their support to see to the return of Dr. Ottah Agbo to the Green Chamber vowing that all their votes would be for him.

The councilors led by the leader of the legislature, Hon. Jacob Idoko, assured the Parliamentarian of their support to see him emerge as the flag bearer of the PDP for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency saying he is the best representative any constituency could wish for.

By Itazi Joseph


A civil society organization, National Liberty and Justice Movement (NLJM), has described as unfortunate and an attempt to rape justice, the sudden release of Engr. Sunday Oche, a Benue House of Representatives aspirant, by the Nigeria Police, few hours after his arrest in Otukpo.

Oche, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police, for committing forgery and perjury.

Engr. Oche who seeks to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, was tracked early hours of Sunday at Double K resort, Otukpo, and was immediately whisked away to Abuja where he was detained at the Force headquarters till night.

He was, however, released on bail by the Police around 8pm Sunday night after much interventions from his party's stakeholders.

Comrade Wisdom Adeleye, national secretary of the NLJM, who spoke in Abuja last night, warned the law enforcement agency against being suppressed by the pressure from politicians in the area.

"We are very much aware of this case and we shall join the suit. Our lawyers have been briefed and they shall apply to join the suit as we await the arraignment of Mr. Sunday Oche. The same way we monitored the case of Hon. Gololo in Bauchi, we shall be actively involved in this, to ensure justice is served. The Police should not allow pressure from any powerful politician to suppress them. The entire world is watching", Adeleye said.

It was gathered that, Oche's arrest was predicated upon a petition submitted at Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of the Zone on the 19th April, 2022, by one Mr. Michael Unogwu, who was the APC candidate for House of Representatives in the 2019 general elections.

Our findings revealed that Engr. Oche allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Unogwu on his private letter head paper, causing a letter to be transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2018, as a purported letter of withdrawal from the National Assembly race, shortly after his (Unogwu) emergence as candidate of APC.

The petition which was submitted by Attorneys to Mr. Unogwu, F.S. Jimba & Co, reads in part: "after the submission of the name of our client as its candidate for the election by the APC, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche came up with a criminal design to unlawfully replace our client as APC candidate for the election. In this quest, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche criminally procured INEC form CF 004A(i) being notice of withdrawal of candidate, filled it with our client's information, unlawfully obtained our client's passport photograph and affixed to the said form and then forged our client's signature on the said document.

"In addition to the above, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche placed his passport photograph on the said INEC Form CF 004A(i) as the candidate to replace our client as candidate.

"Furthermore, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche also forged a letter of withdrawal dated 15th November, 2018 and addressed to the National Chairman of APC, purportedly withdrawing our client's candidature from the General Election. As a result of the above, the name of Mr. Oche Sunday Oche was then forwarded to INEC as candidate of APC for the election".

The petitioners annexed the purported letter of withdrawal; INEC Form CF 004A(i) and letter of mandate from the party asking INEC to substitute the name of Mr. Unogwu for that of Engr. Oche.

Also annexed was the letter signed by the Secretary to the Commission (INEC), Rose Oriaran Anthony in December 2018, informing the party of the anomalies associated with the purported letter of withdrawal and the reply signed by the APC national Chairman, informing INEC that the letter of withdrawal was actually forged.

"After thorough investigation, the party has come to the conclusion that the purported letter of withdrawal was indeed forged, hence nullifying his purported withdrawal", the letter signed by the APC national Chairman reads in part.

Also sighted by our reporter as an annexure, was a copy of affidavit deposed to by Engr. Oche, alluding that the information provided in the purported letter of withdrawal and the INEC Form CF 004A(i) were true; thereby committing perjury.

It was also gathered that, when the Zone 7 Police headquarters failed to act swiftly by arresting Engr. Oche, the Complainant, Mr. Unogwu, through his lawyers, approached the Court with a direct Criminal Complaint against the defendant, to seek his immediate prosecution for forgery, perjury and attempt to use a forged document to commit a crime.

The Chief Magistrate Court, Bwari, subsequently ordered his arrest, investigation and arraignment.

Comrade Austin Agada, the Benue State Chairman of APC, also confirmed the development to our reporter via telephone conversation Sunday night.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Lawrence Oduh, Director, Media and Publicity of Sunday Oche Campaign Organization, said the arrest was politically motivated, saying the issue was laid to rest 4 years ago.

"When we presented our case to the National Secretariat through the state secretariat, it was resolved and they brought a form for substitution that had a provision where Hon. Sunny Oche will sign an agreement that he is replacing the later who has already consented to the said letter and agreed to be substituted.

"What is Hon. Oche's crime in this matter and why a matter that was laid to rest since 2018 be brought to this stage? Hon. Sunny Oche does not work at INEC nor is privy to their documents other than the ones made available by law to candidates of the said elections", Oduh added.

By Esther Daniels


Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has insisted that the law banning open grazing in the state is irrevocable just as he told the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore that he is prepared to meet them in court for any legal battle. 

Secretary-General of the group, Saleh Hassan at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, May 9th, 2022 threatened that they will take legal action against the Benue State Government over what he claimed were illegal seizures of cows belonging to their members on account of violation of the ban on open grazing of cattle in the state. 

Governor Ortom in a swift reaction dismissed claims by the group that the cattle seized in the state by the Livestock Guards for violating the anti-open grazing law in the state were done illegally. 

"There is a law in place. And it is very clear that anyone who allows his or her cattle to roam freely in the state violates the law. When such herds are seized by the Livestock Guards, a time frame is given for owners to come forward and claim. When the time given by law elapses, we are left with no option but to auction. And that is what has taken place."

He stated that "As a state, we are law-abiding and we cannot allow lawlessness," explaining that the law came into force in 2017 and was reviewed this year after it underwent every legislative process. "So anybody or group who violates it will bear the consequences.” 

He stated: “We are prepared to meet them in court. The law is made to be obeyed so that we can have an orderly society. This law protects the interest of everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. It protects herders against rustling and also protects farmers who suffer the loss of their crops." 

Governor Ortom maintained that "Everyone is free to ply his or her legitimate business in this state in so much as they do not infringe on the provisions of this law against open grazing." 

The Governor said he will not compromise the security and welfare of all citizens and inhabitants in the state.

By Esther Daniels


Barring last-minute changes, the new Och'Idoma, Dr. John Eliagwu will be formally coronated end of June this year. 

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom disclosed this Monday, May 9th, 2022 at the temporary Palace of the paramount ruler in Otukpo after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the traditional rulers' palace where he also met with other traditional rulers. 

He said plans are in place to formally present the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty and install him at the end of June this year. 

Already, the Governor said he has directed the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kenneth Achabo to get input from the paramount ruler for a committee that would kick start the process. 

The Governor who had earlier inspected work on the ongoing construction of the Och'Idoma palace alongside the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche said he has mandated the contractor to work day and night to ensure that the project was completed on time. 

He expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers and the people of Idoma for cooperating with the Och'Idoma to ensure peace in the area, stressing that the government was looking into all the issues that cropped up. 

Governor Ortom appealed to both the Tiv, Idoma, Igede and other tribes in the state to see each other as brothers and work together so that the state can experience the desired development. 

On the security challenges confronting the state, Governor Ortom noted that his administration has made efforts to reduce crimes but requires the support of the people to achieve complete success. 

He reiterated that the process of strengthening the Community Volunteer Guards which was established by law would soon be completed for them to commence the work of complementing conventional security agencies to protect the people. 

The Och'Idoma, Dr. John Eliagwu in his earlier comments thanked Governor Ortom for the efforts his government has made in developing the state and protecting the people against external aggression. 

Dr. Eliagwu pledged the sustained support of the traditional rulers to his administration to surmount the security challenges. 

Pastor Adeboye who is in Otukpo for a City Wide Crusade christened "Light Up Benue", also prayed and anointed the ground where a chapel is to be cosntructref in the palace declared that there shall be no more violence in the state.

By Itazi Joseph


An aspirant for House of Representatives under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Sunday Oche, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police, for committing forgery and perjury.

Engr. Oche who seeks to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, was arrested early hours of Sunday at Double K resort, Otukpo, and was immediately whisked away to Abuja where he was detained at the Force headquarters till night.

It was gathered that, Oche's arrest was predicated upon a petition submitted at Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of the Zone on the 19th April, 2022, by one Mr. Michael Unogwu, who was the APC candidate for House of Representatives in the 2019 general elections.

Our findings revealed that Engr. Oche allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Unogwu on his private letter head paper, causing a letter to be transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2018, as a purported letter of withdrawal from the National Assembly race, shortly after his (Unogwu) emergence as candidate of APC.

The petition which was submitted by Attorneys to Mr. Unogwu, F.S. Jimba & Co, reads in part: "after the submission of the name of our client as its candidate for the election by the APC, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche came up with a criminal design to unlawfully replace our client as APC candidate for the election. In this quest, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche criminally procured INEC form CF 004A(i) being notice of withdrawal of candidate, filled it with our client's information, unlawfully obtained our client's passport photograph and affixed to the said form and then forged our client's signature on the said document.

"In addition to the above, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche placed his passport photograph on the said INEC Form CF 004A(i) as the candidate to replace our client as candidate.

"Furthermore, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche also forged a letter of withdrawal dated 15th November, 2018 and addressed to the National Chairman of APC, purportedly withdrawing our client's candidature from the General Election. As a result of the above, the name of Mr. Oche Sunday Oche was then forwarded to INEC as candidate of APC for the election".

The petitioners annexed the purported letter of withdrawal; INEC Form CF 004A(i) and letter of mandate from the party asking INEC to substitute the name of Mr. Unogwu for that of Engr. Oche.

Also annexed was the letter signed by the Secretary to the Commission (INEC), Rose Oriaran Anthony in December 2018, informing the party of the anomalies associated with the purported letter of withdrawal and the reply signed by the APC national Chairman, informing INEC that the letter of withdrawal was actually forged.

"After thorough investigation, the party has come to the conclusion that the purported letter of withdrawal was indeed forged, hence nullifying his purported withdrawal", the letter signed by the APC national Chairman reads in part.

Also sighted by our reporter as an annexure, was a copy of affidavit deposed to by Engr. Oche, alluding that the information provided in the purported letter of withdrawal and the INEC Form CF 004A(i) were true; thereby committing perjury.

It was also gathered that, when the Zone 7 Police headquarters failed to act swiftly by arresting Engr. Oche, the Complainant, Mr. Unogwu, through his lawyers, approached the Court with a direct Criminal Complaint against the defendant, to seek his immediate prosecution for forgery, perjury and attempt to use a forged document to commit a crime.

The Chief Magistrate Court, Bwari, subsequently ordered his arrest, investigation and arraignment.

He was, however, released on bail by the Police around 8pm Sunday night.

Comrade Austin Agada, the Benue State Chairman of APC, also confirmed the development to our reporter via telephone conversation Sunday night.

Meanwhile, a pressure group, National Liberty and Justice Movement, has reacted to the release of Engr. Oche by the Nigeria Police, describing it as unfortunate.

Comrade Wisdom Adeleye, national secretary of the group who spoke in Abuja Sunday night, warned the law enforcement agency against being suppressed by the pressure from politicians in the area.

"We are very much aware of this case and we shall join the suit. Our lawyers have been briefed and they shall apply to join the suit as we await the arraignment of Mr. Sunday Oche. The same way we monitored the case of Hon. Gololo in Bauchi, we shall be actively involved in this, to ensure justice is served. The Police should not allow pressure from any powerful politician to suppress them. The entire world is watching", Adeleye said.