₦airaland Forum

By Esther Daniels

A Facebook user and one of the media aides to Hon. Hasan Saleh contesting for Benue South Senate, Mr. Cletus Agada, has been dragged before an FCT High Court, Abuja, over a "libellous" publication.

Mr. Agada had on Friday, 8th April, 2022, made a Facebook post and tagged the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Benue State Governor on New Media, Prince Yemi Itodo, with his photograph published on it, describing him as "a criminal", "serial blackmailer", "cyber thug" and other unprintable names.

All entreaties by Prince Itodo's Lawyers and other concerned and peace loving members of the public for Agada to cause a retraction of same publication and tender open apologies within 72 hours fell on deaf ears.

Two weeks after the expiration of the ultimatum, Itodo decided to aprocah the court, through his Counsels, the Pathfind Attorneys, to seek redress and redeem his image, as a "political appointee", "successful businessman" and "renowned media consultant".

His Lawyers, amongst other things, are seeking a declaration that the action of the Defendant by writing and publishing the said post on his Facebook timeline on Friday, 8th April, 2022, "is malicious, libelous and tantamount to defamation of the Claimant".

A copy of the lawsuit sighted by this newspaper and signed by Precious Osose AIRE, Esq., Esther Wuese IORHUNA, Esq. and Anna Ofuna IKWUTA, AICMC, Esq., on behalf of Itodo, is also asking for "AN ORDER COMPELLING the Defendant to withdraw the above quoted libelous publication and tender an unreserved written apology for the embarrassment, pain, hatred, apprehension and ridicule caused the Claimant by publishing same apology on his Facebook timeline and in 3 (Three) National Dailies to wit; The Nation Newspaper, Leadership Newspaper and The Sun Newspaper.

"AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendant either by himself, agents, proxies and or assigns from publishing or further publishing or causing to be published any defamatory comments, pictures and or inscriptions against the Claimant or any of his family members whosoever.

 "AN AWARD of the sum of N2, 000, 000, 000 (Two Billion Naira) to the Claimant as general and aggravated damages for the libelous, false and malicious publication made by the Defendant on his Facebook timeline on 8th April, 2022 against the Claimant".

The lawyers also seek an order of the court to compel Agada to pay another "sum of N5, 000, 000 (Five Million Naira) only, being cost of litigation" and an "interest at the rate of 10% per annum on the total judgment sum to be paid by the Defendant from the date judgment is delivered till the date the judgment sum is fully liquidated".

By Esther Daniels

Renowned business mogul and former Chairman of Oju Local Government, Chief. Hon. Bright Igodo Ogaji, on Wednesday visited Ogbadibo, Ohimini and Otukpo Local Government Areas of Benue State, in continuation of his consultations with critical stakeholders for the realization of his senatorial aspiration to represent Benue South at the Senate in 2023.

Addressing the Ogbadibo People's Democratic Party (PDP) caucus at Otukpa, the local government headquarters, Chief Ogaji noted that the purpose of his visit was not to condemn other aspirants for the Senatorial position, but to appeal to the consciences of the delegates to vote him as the Senatorial flag bearer of the party during the forthcoming primaries, adding that he is eminently qualified to represent the good people of Zone C at the red chamber.

"I have not come here to antagonize anybody neither have I come here to attack anybody. But to attack your consciences with all sense of humility as an appeal that you use your conscience on that day [of the primaries].

"My name is 'I Go Do'. And I will do good for you. I will represent you well," he stated.

In their separate remarks, the Ogbadibo PDP Chairman, Hon. Vincent Amuche, the Leader of Ogbadibo Legislative Council, Hon. Jacob Idoko and the Ogbadibo PDP Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Eloyi Enekele, thanked the Senatorial hopeful for coming to intimate them of his ambition and assured him of the support of Ogbadibo delegates at the primaries.

Similarly, in Idekpa, the headquarters of Ohimini, the PDP stakeholders promised Chief Ogaji of their overwhelming support at the primaries.

Hon. Mohammed Adole, Ohimini PDP Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Egbu, Chairman of Ohimini PDP Ward Chairmen Forum, Hon. Elvis Omenkpa, who spoke on behalf of the people, all guaranteed the former Oju council boss, of their support at the primaries.

Earlier, Chief Ogaji told the Ohimini stakeholders that he has all it takes to serve in the capacity of the Senator, adding that, with his wealth of experience, his exposure as an international businessman, and his sagacity as a youth, he would deliver quality representation at the Senate.

In Otukpo, the Senatorial hopeful promised to bring people oriented service, participatory service and all inclusive service, if given the mandate as Senator representing Benue South in 2023.

In their separate responses, the Otukpo PDP Vice Chairman, Hon. Onyejefu Edache, the LG Women Leader, Hon. Mrs Ada Ahmodu, Hon. Baba Alhaji and Hon. Ugbo Williams Abutu, promised to reciprocate the support that the Igede nation gave their son, Senator David Mark, by voting massively for Hon. Bright Ogaji at the primaries.

By Esther Daniels

Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has assured its members and all persons aspiring to elections on its platform of fair and equitable opportunities in a transparent process which will be concluded on a level field of play.

There have been criticisms from some quarters, especially the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), the group championing the course for Idoma governorship in 2023, owing to the emergence of Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, Speaker, House of Assembly, as the consensus candidate of the Tiv speaking people of Benue State.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Benue, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, Wednesday evening, the party wondered how its internal processes initiated to achieve harmonious nomination of a candidate for the Governorship election in 2023 could elicit much misrepresentations and expressions of dissatisfaction from some quarters.

"Those have been from a few aspirants who all along have worked very hard to secure the party's ticket to the coming election, as well as from some pressure groups, following the emergence of Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba as more preferred to get the backing of the party from the Tiv speaking area of the state for the ticket.

"To our dissatisfied governorship aspirants, we acknowledge the enormous energies and resources they deployed into their aspirations coming this far, yet we remind them of their agreement with and support for this same process right from its beginning.

"Voluntarily they came together in a Forum through which they have been involved with the various leadership segments of the party in all of the processes of zoning and pruning down of their numbers.

"If at this point the process has turned out not to favour some, it is only honourable that still they remember their earlier agreement with and support for the process as well as the fact which was emphasised to them from the onset that only one among them will get the ticket at the end of the process", Mr. Iortyom said.

The party, however, called on any aspirant who feels dissatisfied with those internal processes, to go to open Primaries scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where they may test their popularity and acceptability in a transparent, credible and open process.

The statement added that, "to the pressure groups, particularly those from the Benue South Senatorial District (Zone 'C') which are largely under the leadership of a retired Vice Marshall of the Nigerian Air Force in the person of Monday Morgan, we urge them to understand that PDP as a political institution will always place, side by side its duty and obligations to the people, the uncompromising need to win victory at every election it participates in.

"To this end, the party is bound to at all times place reason above sentiments in the choices it makes in the fielding of candidates for the elections it may go into.

"This remains the guiding consideration driving the internal processes adopted by PDP in Benue State pursuant to nominating a candidate for the position of Governor in the 2023 elections.

"PDP urged AVM Morgan who boasts a sterling service record in the Nigerian military to appreciate this fact of the hard choices PDP must make going into the coming elections, and this is a fact he may wish to draw from the vast political experience of his senior brother-General, David Alechenu Mark, to fully appreciate".

The Benue PDP, while appreciating its teeming members across all parts of the state, both high and lowly, also vowed, to at all times, place their best interests above sentimental considerations.

By Esther Daniels

Renowned entrepreneur and former Chairman of Oju Local Government, Hon. Bright Igodo Ogaji, on Tuesday, visited Ado and Okpokwu Local Government Areas of Benue States, as part of his consultation tour of the nine council areas in Benue South, to formerly seek the blessings of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) caucus to contest for the position of Zone C Senate in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking at Igumale, the Ado Local Government headquarters, Hon. Ogaji told the PDP stakeholders that his mandate was youth oriented, stressing that he has the capacity and agility as a youth to serve the people better.

"The story of the Igede people, when it comes to senatorial position in Zone C, is not different from the people of Ado. It is high time for us with a common goal, with a common challenge, so to say, with a common level of deprivation of opportunity to serve in that capacity, to have a common front with which we can make the needed change in our zone," Ogaji said.

His words: "as an individual, I stand to represent you in the red chamber to bring the needed leadership and stewardship on be half of the good people of Zone C. And I tell you this again, you know leadership is all about the people. Representative is all about service. And when you want to serve the people, it is not possible for you to bring the biggest man in your community to serve you. Is it possible? Will you be able to send him a message? Will you be able to send him on an errand? He would rather lord himself over you. But this is just me as common as I am just like all of us here. You can come to me. I can come to you. You can access me. And we can interface and discuss on issues. What I'll represent for the good people of Zone C is participatory service".

In their separate remarks, former Chairman of Ado Council, Hon. Attah Onazi,  Elder Ogaba Ogenyi, Ado PDP Chairman, Hon. Steven Aluna, represented by Hon. Edwin Ugah Jude, thanked Hon. Ogaji for familiarizing with Ado and assured him of the support of the people, especially Ado delegates at the forthcoming primaries of the party. 

At Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu, the senatorial hopeful reiterated that his message is not a message of division but of peace, love, equity, fairness and justice.

Ogaji said: "My coming here today is not in anyway to preach any separating message. I've come to appeal to you. To the glory of God, I'm telling you today that I'm throwing my hat into the ring to contest for the position of the Senate representing the good people of Zone C. Not only the good people of Oju, not only the good people of Obi, not only the good people of Igede; but the good people of this unified family called the Idoma Nation".

In their addresses, the Okpokwu PDP women leader, Hon. Mrs. Agnes Abah, Elder Moses Anawo, and other speakers, expressed optimism that with Hon. Ogaji's trackrecords and antecedents as former Chairman of Oju and accomplished business mogul, he would be the candidate to beat at the primaries; while assuring him of the support of Okpokwu delegates.

By Esther Daniels


The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, Mr. Nat Ikyur, has said his Principal does not hate the Idoma people of Benue South, contrary to the wide speculations on some sections of the media.

Ikyur, apparently reacting to the statement credited to the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), an organization saddled with the promotion of the agenda for Idoma governorship of Benue State, come 2023.

The Idoma and Igede people, representing the 9 Local Government Areas of Benue South, have been agitating to occupy the Makurdi Government House, 46 years after the creation of the state from the old Benue-Plateau.

To further achieve this aim in 2023, the Idoma people had nominated the deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu as their sole candidate in People's Democratic Party (PDP), who has since obtained the nomination forms.

Their Tiv counterparts, representing 14 Local Government of Benue North East and Benue North West, on Sunday, concluded on the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba as their consensus candidate, from amongst the 34 Tiv aspirants in PDP.

Irked by the development, the National Coordinator of the BRM, Air Vice Marshall Monday Morgan (Rtd.), in a statement on Monday, alluded that the move was a ploy by the State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom and the Tiv key players to edge the Idoma people out of the 2023's journey to the Government House.

But the Governor's Spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, said, the "allegation against the Governor is spurious and far from the truth, particularly as it relates to the 2023 governorship election in Benue state".

He stressed that, "since 2015 when Governor Samuel Ortom came to office, he has continued to promote the unity of the state with accentuated vigour. This is also displayed in the now famous 'Unity Cap' which he preaches to build unity among all ethnic nationalities in the state and Nigeria in general", adding that Ortom has been building bridges across all the ethnic nationalities and interests in the state.

"It is on record that Governor Ortom had counselled the leadership of the Benue Rebirth Movement to reach out to their Tiv brothers to canvass support across all political parties, and not just in the People's Democratic Party, PDP for the purpose of an Idoma son or daughter to be elected as Governor of the State. That way, Governor Ortom believes there will be a singleness of purpose and approach for our Idoma brothers to have a level field of contest.

"We advise the Benue Rebirth Movement to do more homework by building trust and confidence with their Tiv brothers in their quest and not to turn and make Governor Ortom an issue in their contest for the governorship of the state.

"Governor Ortom is not against an Idoma man becoming the governor of the State. It is a process that involves everyone", the statement added.

By Esther Daniels


The apex Idoma/Igede Governorship agitation group, Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM) has frowned at the recent interview granted Premium Times by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State as well as the purported selection of Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus candidate of the Tiv-Speaking area of the state.  


The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, AVM Monday Morgan (rtd), on Monday, expressed shock over the Governor's interview where he was credited to have said the PDP could not zone the position of Governor to Zone C (Idoma/Igede area) for the 2023 election.


Ortom reportedly said, "If PDP picks its Governorship flagbearer from zone C and the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not do same, PDP would lose the Governorship election in the state, since politics is a game of numbers".


But BRM believed that the Governor's statement was "a deliberate attempt to foreclose the possibility and chances of a Zone C person becoming the state Governor next year".


It also described the selection of Rt. Hon. Uba as the PDP consensus candidate of the Tiv-Speaking area of the state as "a ruse designed to frighten zone C into abandoning its Gubernatorial aspiratiion".


The statement reads: "The attention of Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM) has been drawn to a widely publicised interview granted Premium Times by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State as well as the purported selection of Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly as the PDP consensus candidate of the Tiv-Speaking area of the state.


"In the interview, the Governor was reported to have said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot zone the position of state Governor to Zone C for the 2023 election. His reason is that, if PDP picks its Governorship flagbearer from zone C and the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not do the same, PDP would lose the Governorship election in the state since politics is a game of numbers.


"Less than 24 hours after the publication of the interview, an expanded meeting  of PDP's caucus for the Tiv speaking area held at the New Banquet Hall of Benue People's House, Makurdi, on Sunday, April 17, reportedly endorsed Rt. Titus Ubah, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, as the preferred candidate from Vandeikya LGA where the same caucus had earlier zoned the governorship ticket to.


"A statement issued by Bemgba Iortyom, State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Benue State, after the meeting quoted Governor Ortom as calling on all hands to remain on deck as more efforts would be required "to navigate the way through to an eventual consensus candidate for the party in the state."


"To say the least, we in BRM and Zone C were greatly shocked to read the statements credited to Governor Ortom in the interview. We view the Governor's statement as a deliberate attempt to foreclose the possibility and chances of a Zone C person becoming the state Governor next year. We also consider the process of the purported selection of Rt. Hon. Uba as a ruse designed to frighten zone C into abandoning its Gubernatorial aspiratiion. It is like rubbing pepper in the 46-year-old ethnically motivated political wound inflicted on the people of zone C.


"We consider it inappropriate for Governor Ortom who is the leader of PDP in Benue state and father to all to publicly take a definite position against  Zone C and openly align himself with the aspiration of Zone A.


"We reject completely the deployment of virtually the entire state PDP machinery by the Governor to the pursuit of a Tiv ethnic agenda. We reject the situation whereby well-established party structures would be replaced overnight with an illegal body known as the "caucus for the Tiv speaking area" for the purpose of picking the party's candidate for election.

 

"The Governor's roles in (6) and (7) above are prejudicial and against the principles of equity, fairness and justice. This is inimical to the credibility and integrity of any process for the selection of the consensus Governorship candidate at the state level in which the Givernor is supposed to play a neutral, fatherly role.


"Having followed closely the consensus process in the Tiv-Speaking area, we have observed how Zone B was eliminated in favour of Zone A because the former currently holds the Governorship position; four Tiv ruling houses were dropped in favour of Jechira; and how three Local Government Areas in Jechira were asked to give way to Vandeikya, all in a bid to ensure equity, fairness, justice and brotherhood. Since the position of Governor covers the entire state, why are similar considerations not applied to Zone C which has never occupied it before?


"We totally disagree with the notion that giving the party's gubernatorial ticket to Zone C would cost the party victory as if the Governorship election is a tribal war between the Tiv speaking people and the rest of the state in which every voter must vote for his tribesman. Lest we forget, Zone C aspirants, notably Chief Mike Okibe in 2007 and Chief Steven Lawani in 2015 nearly won their party's Governorship tickets with a large chunk of votes from Tiv speaking delegates. If such feats could be achieved at a time there was no organized agitation for a Governor of Zone C extraction, it follows that with the level of sensitization carried out this time by the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), a Zone C Governorship contender could easily win the Governorship election of any party.


"We want to draw the attention of ethnic champions in Tiv land to the fact that the ethinic agenda being pursued in PDP is at variance with the thinking, mood and aspirations of the ordinary Tiv man. With all the five Tiv ruling houses having tasted the seat of Governor, the average Tiv man is now willing and prepared to accept and vote a non-Tiv person, at least for a change. For this reason, giving the Governorship ticket of the PDP or APC to zone C is not an electoral gamble.


"We want to make it very clear that we in BRM and Zone C refuse to be cowed or intimidated by the escalating affront on our rights and aspiratiion to take our rightful place in the Governance of Benue state, our state. We are resolute in our determination to pursue our noble cause of redressing the 46-year-old story of exclusion of zone C from the political centre stage in our state.


"We are resolved to take advantage of the scheduled primay elections of the political parties to achieve our goal. We, therefore, challenge the PDP leaderhip in the state to provide a level playing field for free and fair primaries. We are confident that a zone C candidate, specifically, Engr. Benson Abounu, will win clean and square.


"We call on the people of zone C and our teaming supporters to remain calm while we study the different ramifications of the evolving political developments in the Tiv-Speaking area and determine our reactions to them. This is not the time to give up or chicken out. It is the time to roll up our sleeves and brace up for more action. It is a time to be more united, committed and focused than ever before. We have never come closer to actualizing our governorship aspiratiion than now and we are not about to surrender for whatever reason.


"We urge His Excellency, Engr. Benson Abounu, the PDP consensus candidate for Zone C and other Governorship aspirants from the zone not to be disillusioned but to remain strong. We assure you that BRM and other people of good conscience in the state are with you. We are confident that with hard work, commitment, determination and God on our side, victory will be ours."

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has described the mother-in- law of the Benue State Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu, Mama Enenu Ebute as a bundle of humility and dedicated servant of God.

The Governor stated this on Monday, April 18th, 2022, at the one year memorial and thanksgiving service in honour of Late Mama Enenu Ebute,

In his brief remarks, Governor Ortom said the late Mama Enune Ebute would fondly be remembered for her kindness, humility and passion for serving God and humanity.

He enjoined the people to emulate the virtues of Mama Enenu, especially that of having faith in God at all times, stressing that those who first seek the Kingdom of God would always have other good things added unto them.

The Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu who spoke on behalf of the family said they were sad that they would not be able to see mama again.

He however expressed joy that she gave them quality mentoring.

Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese of the Church, Right Reverend Edoka Amuta Mama described the late Enenu as "a just woman" and charged members of the family to always abound in the faith like their mother.

The memorial service, which held at the Methodist Church, Makurdi was attended by Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife, Dr. Eunice, the state Chief Judge, Justice Aondover Kaka'an, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmas Idye, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Tony Ijohor and many other top government functionaries and political leaders across the state.

By Esther Daniels


A coalition of various groups and Civil Society Organisations, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to consider Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for its Presidential ticket at the forthcoming primaries.

According to the group made up of Arewa Democratic Congress, Oodua Progressive Minds, Middle Belt Front, Niger Delta Patriotic Agents and other youth based and professional bodies; it is only Mohammed that possesses the qualities that would be generally accepted by all sections of the country.

A former Professor at City University, New York, and national coordinator of Rural Community Development Initiative, Engr. Ikenna Obum Ezenekwe, who addressed the press on behalf of the Coalition at a briefing in Abuja on Monday, said Gov. Mohammed stands out amongst other contestants.

"We are not members of any political party. We have, as a matter of patriotism, carried out independent investigations about various aspirants in the two major parties and we are confident to tell you that, His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed stands out amongst other contestants.

"He is one man that has no corruption case or allegation standing against him anywhere. In fact, he has repeatedly invited the public and challenged the antigraft agencies to advance with any crimal evidence they have against him.

"The last time the EFCC detained him for 49 days over a frivolous allegation, they could not prosecute him, and when he sued them, he was awarded a N5m damages against the EFCC. He is the only man with unchallenged social credentials and utmost integrity.

"Even as a member of the opposition during the 6th National Assembly, Senator Mohammed, as a detribalized Nigerian, stood with the Senate President, Senator David Mark and propounded the doctrine of necessity, which helped rescued the country from her political quagmire at the time, even when the move favoured Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a man from the Southern region.

"As Minister for FCT, Gov. Mohammed brought succour to the people living within Abuja metropolis. His regime did not only bring development to FCT and satellite towns, it also brought an end to the apprehensions in some quarters about their land revocations and demolitions of residences and business premises, which were the characteristics of his predecessors.

"He is one man who will stabilise this country and deliver us from the throwns of insecurity and banditry. As a Governor of Bauchi State, he has exemplified this quality by safeguarding his people, even in a volatile north east region", Prof. Ezenekwe added.

The coalition, while calling on PDP delegates to give Mohammed the party's ticket, also pledged to raise funds to prosecute his election during 2023 presidential election, if he emerges the flagbearer of the party.

By Esther Daniels


The emergence of Rt. Hon. Titus Uba as the consensus governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Tiv speaking area of Benue State is already causing confusion and panic in the camp of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Soon after the choice of Uba was announced, a serial contestant, Prof Terhemba Shija did a piece which he personally wrote and only appended the name of his media aide Samuel Adzegeh. But that is what you get when desperation and uncertainty sets in.

Shija’s attack on Uba and Governor Samuel Ortom is rather unfortunate but it also signposts the palpable fear within the APC camp in Benue State. They were not expecting PDP to put up such a well organized consensus arrangement. They expected to see an implosion of PDP in the state after the consensus. Now that Titus Uba has emerged and is set to become the overall consensus candidate of the party Benue, Shija and his co-travellers have sensed defeat ahead and have begun to cast stones on the PDP ship.

The decision to settle for Uba was a unanimous one. All stakeholders who were present spoke in one accord. It started with the people of Vandeikya who said it’s Uba. The entire Jechira (Konshisha and Vandeikya) said it’s Uba. Local government chairmen of the 14 local government areas in Tiv land also said it’s Uba. The G-14 political class itself said it’s Uba. Benue State House of Assembly members said it’s Uba. The House of Representatives caucus in the Tiv speaking area said it’s Uba. Senators of Zones A and B said it’s Uba. And above all, his fellow governorship aspirants from Kwande and Jechira also unanimously said it’s Titus Uba. This has never happened before in Benue State! Terhemba Shija must have been filled with envy when he heard about the PDP consensus.

Prof Shija should be worried more about his dwindling chances of picking the APC ticket rather than writing lengthy articles about the PDP consensus arrangement. He is not even among the first three aspirants in Akume’s pecking order. But perhaps he is on another mission to becoming the director general of the campaign organization of the APC aspirant who will eventually emerge. He is a professional campaign DG. He has served as DG of almost every governorship candidate (apart from Ortom) since 1999. So I won’t be surprised if Shija is announced as the campaign DG of the next APC guber candidate. It is the only job that he does well.

Shija failed as commissioner of information. Under his watch, journalists who wrote reports and articles that criticised the fraudulent government of George Akume were beaten by thugs and some of them forced to flee from the state. The case of Babajide Johnson of Tribune newspaper who was beaten and dumped inside a car trunk is one such case. Shija also failed as commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs. It was during his time that deductions from local government allocations began. He has no known record of achievement to his name despite serving as a two time commissioner in the state.

Terhemba Shija is also known for disrespecting his elders but expects those younger than him to respect him. He is the first commissioner to engage a party chieftain in fisticuffs. He publicly fought Iyorchia Ayu who was the godfather during Akume’s time and sensing danger, he hurriedly resigned from the cabinet.

Shija is the least of all Benue people to counsel anyone on political campaigns and governance. It was during his time as commissioner for information under the George Akume administration that thuggery was introduced into Benue politics. He personally recruited thugs who harassed anyone who raised a voice to criticize Akume. He was brutal. He went everywhere with daredevils who were ready to devour any opposition person. This is history that can’t be washed away so easily.

Terhemba Shija should face his demons in APC and leave Rt. Hon. Titus Uba alone. Even in Vandeikya where he comes from, Shija can’t win more than his polling unit on the day of election.

By Esther Daniels

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Titus Uba has emerged as the governorship consensus candidate for the People's Democratic Party, PDP from the 14 local government areas of the Tiv speaking areas in the state

This is following a painstaking process that involved various segments of the stakeholders of the party in the state.

Determined to retain power in the 2023 general elections in Benue State,

The 32 gubernatorial aspirants from the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas endorsed the Benue Speaker after he was selected by the Kunav leaders of Vandeikya local government and accepted by both the Sankera, Jemgbagh and MINDA political elders.

The gubernatorial aspirants took the unanimous decision following serries of stakeholders meetings involving mediations by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other leaders of the party in the state.

At the meeting of stakeholders from the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas held Sunday, April 17th, 2022 at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, the aspirants unanimously presented Hon Uba to the Governor as their consensus.

Chairman of the PDP Governorship Aspirants Forum, Barrister Chille Igbawua said though the process was tedious, they had accepted the choice of Uba as presented by the people of Kunav.

Governor Ortom charged the consensus candidate to work with the aspirants and visit them individually in order to convince them to work for him and also share their manifestos with him.

In separate remarks, Senators representing Benue North East and North West, Gabriel Suswam and Orker Jev respectively, commended the process as mid-wifed by the Governor, even as he also acknowledged the aspirants for their resilience and cooperation.

Receiving the consensus candidate on behalf of the party, state Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon Isaac Mfo thanked the Governor for consulting widely to arrive at the consensus by the Tiv speaking areas,  stressing that aspirants also exhibited high level of patience as the process lasted.

Hon Uba will now contend with the deputy governor, Engr Benson Abounu who emerged as the consensus candidate for the 9 local government areas from Benue South Senatorial District for the guber ticket at the party Congress.

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has sued for unity among the people of the state irrespective of their political affiliations for the state to successfully defeat its common enemy.

He made the appeal Saturday, April 16th, 2022 when he led other dignitaries to witness the burial of Mama Phoebe Mchianan Afatyo, wife of Tor Jemgbagh, His Royal Highness, David Afatyo Ajoko at Tse Ajoko, Mbakyongo in Tombo Mbalagh, Buruku Local Government Area.

The Governor who frowned at unnecessary bickering amongst the people of the state as a result of political differences said that Benue people have become an endangered specie due to the coordinated agenda of Fulani herdsmen attack on its communities.

He said it would only take the unity of the people to survive.

The governor asked the people of the state to shun bitterness and love one another, stressing that except the people come together and work as one, it will be difficult to defeat the common enemy.

Governor Ortom assured that the Community Volunteer Guards would soon be launched to assist conventional security in protecting the people against invasion, saying the law establishing the outfit has been strengthened to give the outfit more powers to bear legal weapons.

While calling on the people to ensure that they register and update their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, the Governor urged them, especially the politicians to play the game devoid of rancour and hatred.

Governor Ortom described the death of the wife of Tor Jemgbagh, His Royal Highness, Afaityo Ajoko as painful not only to him but everyone that came in contact with her and encouraged him to accept it as the will of God.

The Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume in his brief remarks stressed the need for the people to love one another and enjoined leaders at all levels not to relent in providing solutions to the problems confronting the state.

Senator representing Benue North West, Mr. Orker Jev and that of North East, Dr. Gabriel Suswam and the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, represented by Tor Jechira, Chief Clement Uganden all cautioned the youths against causing disharmony in the society because of politics.

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has charged Benue youths not to lose focus on their set goals in life but be determined to conquer all challenges.

The Governor gave the charge Friday, April 15th, 2022 when he received a coalition of youth leaders from Benue State, led by Terrence Kuanum including two youngsters who won national and International laurels.

The Governor who recalled the challenges he faced why growing up said he never allowed the frustrations of life to distract him even when the odds seemed to be against him.

He said rather than being discouraged, he was determined to break through because he held unto God and was focused on what he had set out to achieve.

Governor Ortom stressed that his administration is determined to nurture creative ideas of Benue youths to enable them to make impact in the society.

The Governor then directed the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor who is heading the committee for implementation of the recommendations from the Benue Youth Summit to identify some of them that have talents to be supported by the Government.

Governor Ortom stated that he was very proud of the youths for being resilient, hard working and supportive of his administration and charged them to remain focused so that they could have successful lives.

He pointed out that just like himself who started life from the scratch and went through very difficult situations but remained steadfast in the service of God who has made him to succeed in everything his hands touched, anybody can succeed with the right approach.

The Governor who expressed joy for being a source of inspiration to many young people due to his decent lifestyle, appealed to them to shun all forms of evil vices and criminality to avoid creating problems for themselves.

He also asked the youth leaders to deliberate and send in suggestions on how best a consensus candidate will be picked among the array of aspirants for the governorship seat ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Earlier, President of Benue Youth Forum, Mr. Terence Kuanum thanked Governor Ortom for giving Benue youths the opportunity to participate in his Government at various levels, saying it has demonstrated the desire of the Governor to see them succeed.

Mr. Kuanum also appreciated the Governor for his open mindedness, which has seen some youths emerge as consensus candidates at various elective positions in the PDP, noting that what he has done has began the process of bridging the gap between the present and future.

Emmanuel Atser emerged winner of the Talent hunt show in Nigeria, 2022 while Miss Dooshima Avar of Princess Adeja College, Gboko was overall sixth in the spelling bill competition worldwide.

By Esther Daniels


PRESS STATEMENT

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Council of States for granting state pardon to former Governors of Plateau and Taraba States, Senator Joshua Dariye and Rev. Jolly Nyame.

Dariye and Nyame were serving jail terms in Kuje Correctional Centre near Abuja following their convictions by the courts over financial malfeasance while serving as governors in their states between 1999 and 2007.

Ortom had while appearing on an Arise Television interview a fortnight ago appealed to the federal government to review the cases of Dariye and Nyame with a view to granting them state pardon.

On Thursday, the National Council of States under the chairmanship of President Buhari met in Abuja, considered and approved the state pardon for Dariye, Nyame and others.

A happy Ortom thanked President Buhari and the National Council of States and the federal government over the gesture even as he admitted that some useful lessons must have been learnt from the incident.

The Governor also thanked friends, families and political associates of the two leaders who stood by them during the period of their incarceration.

He said Dariye and Nyame will now reunite with their families and live a happy life once again.

By Esther Daniels


The Benue State Government has released over N1.5 billion naira to facilitate implementation of the State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme, B-CARES.

Governor Samuel Ortom made this known Thursday, April 14th, 2022 while launching the commencement of the programme which featured distribution of cheques to beneficiaries at Government House, Makurdi.

The Governor stated that the beneficiaries who have been categorized into delivery platforms include the state Cares coordinating unit, Community and Social Development Agency, Fadama, Ministry of Industry and Cooperatives and the state cash transfer unit.

Governor Ortom who broke down the disbursement of the funds to the beneficiaries said the state CARES Coordinating unit would take 155.9 million naira, CSDA 135.4 million naira, FADAMA 414.7 million naira, Ministry of Industry and Cooperatives 277.1 million naira and the state cash transfer unit taking 115.4 million naira.

He stated that the aim of the B-Cares programme was to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the indigenes through grants for poor and vulnerable households as well as micro, small and medium enterprises.

Governor Ortom also noted that the programme was in line with the ten year development plan of his administration to show commitment to the welfare, social protection and economic wellbeing of Benue indigenes.

Chairman of B-Cares Implementation Steering Committee and the State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. David Olofu said the process for the B-Cares programme started in 2020 when the budgets suffered severe shocks and dislocation due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Olofu noted that due to the leadership and political will provided by Governor Ortom, Benue State was able to qualify for the programme ahead of many states and expressed optimism that implementation of the programme would improve the living standards of communities and assist SME's to get back on their feet.

The State Coordinator of Benue State COVID-19 Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme, B-Cares, Mrs Iember Agir who presented an overview of the programme, urged the benefitting platforms to utilize the money for the purpose it was meant for.

By Esther Daniel


A Political Pressure Group,"Team Ortom for Senate 2023", has pledged to support Governor Samuel Ortom to win the Benue North West Senatorial seat in next year's general election.

The Group, made up of seasoned politicians across the seven Local Government Areas of Benue North West made the pledge Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 when they paid the Governor a courtesy visit at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.

Coordinator of the Group, Mrs. Monica Ugela who stated that the group was one among the first that was formed two years ago to support the Governor said its mandate was to impress on the Governor to contest for the seat even if he was not willing to.

She explained that the Governor has served the state with dedication, commitment and sacrifices, stressing that as a group, they were convinced that if elected into the Senate after his tenure as Governor, he will attract more good things to the state.

The Coordinator of the "Team Ortom for Senate 2023" also said their support for Governor Ortom was based on what he has done for them as individuals, pointing out that they were not expecting any reward from him as they have been funding their activities themselves.

Speaking on behalf of the members of the group from Jemgbagh, Hon. Livinus Awuhe and Hon. Andrew Ayande for MINDA stated that none of the members was compelled or induced to work for the Governor and assured that they will continue with the support until their aim is achieved.

Governor Samuel Ortom in a response, expressed appreciation to the group for having the confidence in his ability to represent the zone despite the wrong perception of some people about him and promised not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him.

The Group presented branded souvenirs to the governor and his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom including Face Caps, Tee Shirts as well as umbrellas to aid his campaign.

By Esther Daniels


Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria(HURIWA), on Wednesday, condemned the killings of scores of innocent Nigerians in Plateau and Benue States, describing it as unbecoming. HURIWA also expressed consternation that the President can only issue statements and not back the rhetorics up with actionable legal sanctions strong enough to deter the killers. 

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, also backed Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom’s umpteenth call for people of the Middle Belt to carry weapons and defend themselves against rampaging marauders who have no sanctity for human lives.

The group said the need for self-defense is pertinent in the face of the failure of the Federal Government and the security agencies led by an inactive retired major general and President, Muhammadu Buhari, to live up to its utmost constitutional responsibility of protection of lives and properties.

According to reports, more than 6,000 persons displaced due to attacks carried out by suspected terrorists in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State are currently taking refuge in markets and primary schools.

The suspected terrorists had invaded about seven communities in Kanam LGA on Sunday and shot at anyone they saw, which led to the killing of over 70 persons. Several persons were also abducted by the terrorists, who also set their houses ablaze. HURIWA says the Plateau State governor has not demonstrated any appreciable level of concern to teach the mass killers the hard lessons of their lives by making it tough and difficult for armed non State actors that have become enthusiastic killers do not find Plateau State welcoming to mass murderers. There is just nothing on the ground in Plateau State to show that the state government is angry enough to stamp off the agents of genocidal killings of the native people of Plateau State who are majorly Christians. 

Recall that killer herdsmen invaded several communities in three local government areas of Benue State on Monday night and killed 25 people, including a traditional ruler. HURIWA said the killings are well Coordinated, clinically executed and sadly the killers are permitted to roam around on a killing spree. 

The armed herders were said to have invaded Tse-Sumaka village in the Mbadwem Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, killing nine people and injuring one.

Orto, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel  Ikyur, had stated, “It is becoming increasingly glaring everyday that my people are now endangered species and so we can no longer wait for help. My people will have to rise to the occasion to defend themselves and their heritage against the Fulani army of occupation.

“We are law-abiding citizens. We have cried for help against these invaders but nothing is forthcoming. We are left alone and it looks like it is a deliberate strategy. Now, we have only one option; to defend ourselves or be extinct. This is a case for our survival.” 

Reacting, HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The attacks and loss of lives in Plateau and Benue states are condemnable. The security agencies and the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari again failed Nigerians because it has consistently shy away from its major constitutional responsibility according to Section 14(2)(b) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution which states, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government” because according to section 17(2)(b) of the same constitution, “the sanctity of the human person shall be recognized.

“HURIWA therefore backs Governor Samuel Ortom’s call for self defense because Section 33(2)(a) makes self defence lawful when undertaken in “defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.”

“HURIWA adds that the security challenges of the country have apparently overwhelmed the Buhari regime as said by ex-Presdient Olusegun Obasanjo. The security agencies are also obviously inundated. Helpless Nigerians have no option but to rise up and defend themselves like the people of Ukraine. 

“It is the responsibility of government to decisively crush terrorists and criminal gangs by strengthening the security architectures of the state and by setting up formidable armed vigilante well-trained by the Army just like the Civilian JTF of Borno State to withstand the invasions of their communities.  

“The state House of Assemblies should borrow from the doctrine of necessity as was adopted by the National Assembly when Goodluck Jonathan became President in 2015 so the lives and property of citizens are safeguarded by every means possible. This measure must be adopted by states facing invasions of mass killers. This must be done with immediate effect.”

By Esther Daniels


PRESS STATEMENT

...calls for insurance cover

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has sent a message of condolence to his Rivers state counterpart, Nyesom Wike over the fire incident at Bonny Jetty in Port Harcourt that claimed several lives today .

Several persons were said to have died from the inferno and others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Ortom lamented over the tragedy which he said further added to woes of security challenges facing the nation.

He however urged his colleague to see the incident as a challenge that should be addressed by directing authorities concerned to always apply safety measures at all times.

The Governor advocated for insurance cover for all public and private facilities, saying that such measure could mitigate or assuage the plight of victims.

He extended his condolences to the immediate families of the deceased just as he asked authorities to see to the welfare of their defendants since they died in active service.

The Governor added that the government and people of Benue state identify with the people of Rivers state and share in this moment of grief.

By Esther Daniels

Ogbadibo Local Government Area
of Benue State was in ecstatic mood, on Sunday, as foremost philanthropist and business mogul, Chief Phillip Agbese, Okanga Isinabo 1 of Agila, visited the council to officially declare his intention to contest for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Consistency House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general elections.

The visit, which was in continuation of his local-government-to-local-government declaration tour, attracted eminent personalities, including the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue South, Alh. Usman Abubakar, alias Young Alhaji, and the state Chairman of the party, Comrade Austin Agada, who hailed from Ogbadibo Local Government, amongst others.

Agbese, while making the declaration, noted that the major problem of leadership in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Consistency was lack of priority, and promised to get his priorities right if elected.

"I believe that the major problem that has confronted and is still limiting the growth and development of our society, particularly, Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, is a question of misplacement of sacrifices," he said.

"I have seen people building roads when all that we needed in that area was just a culvert. I've seen people distributing notebooks when all that we need to solve the problem in that school was just a question of good teachers. I've seen my opponents grading bushes when all that is needed in that area was just a question of small footpath for people to be able to cross.

"I have seen people bringing equipments to put into our hospitals when all that is needed is just paracetamol. What I've come to do, is to place the right sacrifice where exactly it is needed", Agbese added.

The human rights activist reiterated that his aspiration will be anchored on the four cardinal principles of industrialisation, employment/empowerment, health and water.

"To this end, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, leaders of our great party, I stand this evening before each and everyone of you, to declare officially my intention to represent our people at the National Assembly in 2023," he declared.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, the leader of APC in Benue South, Alh. Abubakar, categorically stated that Chief Agbese was the right man for the job.

He urged Ogbadibo people to queue behind him in the primaries and the general elections in 2023.

Similarly, the state Chairman of the party, Comrade Agada, expressed confidence in the ability of the party to win the forthcoming elections.

"I want to say that under my watch as the state Chairman, I'll do everything, with all help and with your prayers, for us to win this state. And after we win this state, we'll ensure that whoever is the Governor, we'll let him know what he is to do for the people," he added.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of 260 wrappers to Ogbadibo women by Chief Agbese and cultural performances from various dance groups in the three districts that made up the local government; Otukpa, Owukpa and Orokam.

Meanwhile, Chief Agbese had earlier commissioned his campaign office codenamed "The Solution Centre" at Obu Branch, Otukpa.

He also paid homage to the Olema/ Och'Otukpa, His Royal Highness, Chief Sunday Ekele (JP).

The monarch gave his royal blessings and commended him for coming to seek fatherly advice.

By Esther Daniels

PRESS STATEMENT

...promises continued partnership with the Church to promote harmony.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has congratulated the Bishop- Elect of Katsina - Ala Diocese, Benue state, Most Reverend Father Isaac Bunde Dugu on his appointment.

Rev Father Dugu was appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina- Ala in Benue state by the Holy Father Pope Francis on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

He succeeds Bishop Peter Adoboh who died on February 14, 2020.

Governor Ortom in a congratulatory message described the new Bishop as a true servant of God who has worked tirelessly to propagate the gospel and winning of souls for God.

He noted that the appointment of the new Bishop for the Diocese is coming at a time the state government in collaboration with the Catholic Church and the traditional institution in the area is succeeding in winning the war against militia gangs in the Sankera axis of the state.

He therefore tasked the new Bishop to hit the ground running with renewed vigor in order to help strengthen the successes recorded so far so that absolute peace will return to the area.

The Governor stated: “Your appointment at this time is timely. It is a welcome development at a time the people of Sankera are in dire need of salvation amidst growing misdemeanors and violent crimes by many citizens.

“I am optimistic that your tenure as Bishop of Katsina Ala Diocese will usher in peace in the area. It will also be an era of positive revolution in the vineyard to help save the world that is now violent prone”.

He pledged the continued cooperation of the state government and partnership with the clergy across the divide, and as he put it: “in our avowed commitment to ensure a better and safer Benue state and Nigeria”.

Until his appointment, Rev Dugu was the Director of the Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria .

By Esther Daniels


Prince Yemi Itodo, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has threatened to file a N2 billion lawsuit against the spokesperson of Hon. Hassan Saleh Campaign Organization, Cletus Agada for defamation.

The threat was contained in a demand letter by his legal team, Pathfind Attorneys, dated 8th April, 2022 and addressed to Cletus Agada.

In the letter which was signed by the Senior Partner, Precious Aire, Esq, the law firm cited how Agada defamed their client in a widely published write up on Facebook Friday, 8th April, 2022.

The letter read inter alia: "In the aforesaid write up bearing the photograph of our client, you made false and unsubstantiated defamatory statements against his person in the following words:

“From Hon. Prince Onuh to Gov. Samuel Ortom and Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, Prince Yemi Itodo is a criminal and serial blackmailer and cyber thug that has elevated blackmail to a trade and even have apprentice in his "workshop".

"Unfortunately for him this time, Hon. Hassan Anthony Saleh whom he's trying to open an office on his head, has no intention of inviting him for "settlement" or patronage”.

“But for the fact that he's shameless, I would have said it will be a big shame if Yemi does not resign his membership of the PDP when Hon. Saleh is cleared for the primaries”.

The law firm submitted that Agada's "false, libellous, malicious, and defamatory statements" have and continue to damage the hard-earned reputation of their client who had already built a sound reputation over the years as a successful investigative journalist, businessman cum politician.

It therefore, demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements published on Facebook, in addition to an unreserved written apology to their client through the law firm's office and publication of same in three National Newspapers to wit; The Nation, Leadership and Blueprint.

It added that failure of the defamer to comply with the demands within 72 hours will leave the them with no choice than to seek legal redress in court "where we shall be claiming damages in the sum of N2,000,000,000 (Two Billion Naira) on behalf of our client".

Meanwhile, Comrade Yemi Itodo has opened up on why he threatened to go legal on the defamatory comments made against him by Cletus Agada of the Hassan Anthony Saleh Campaign Organization.

Itodo in a statement in Abuja Saturday, said the defamer elated to malign his person and ascribed "unprintable names" to him.

"In the said publication made via the instrumentality of social media, which is regarded as agent of multimedia as captioned in section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended; the Media Aide and official spokesman of Hon. Saleh, an aspirant for Senate of Benue South under the PDP, labeled me as a "criminal", "serial blackmailer" and "cyber thug", he stated.

He pointed out that "there was no prior acrimony between me and the said Media Aide to Hon. Hassan Saleh, saved for the trending discourse on the social space, wherefore, his Principal posted his resignation letter as an SLA to the Speaker of House of Representatives. The former 2 terms Reps Member's post got public attention and the youth and PDP members in Benue South started asking if it was right for him to have held unto an appointment with an APC government, only for him to have resigned one month to PDP primaries, to seek a senatorial ticket of the umbrella party.

"Permit me to also place emphasis on the fact that, I neither joined in the commentary, nor made any post on my wall in support or against the topic. To my greatest surprise, the boy went and posted one long epistle on Thursday morning, tagging and trying to rubbish the appointment given to me by His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom. I went to his wall and pleaded that he untag me and also leave Governor out of the discourse. He never listened."

Itodo added: "Aside the publication, I have also received plenty threats from family members and associates of the aspirant. One Saleh Ododo's message of threat which he made openly, and other recorded calls are being scrutinized by the agents of State, as we speak."

By Esther Daniels


Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has acknowledged the contribution of the Church to his life, stating, "if not for the prayers of the Church I would have been consumed. The prayers of the Church kept me."

He disclosed this Friday, April 8th, 2022 at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi when he received in audience, members of the Knight of St. Mulumber, Abuja Ecclesiastical Council led by the Metro Grand Knight, Sir Michael Awuhe.

According to him, "God has given me uncommon courage. One with God is Majority. I have always stood for equity, fairness and justice. I am happy that I am executing the counsel of God over Benue State."

He stated that the Catholic Church has always stood out in their counsel to him which had been of immense benefits to him, pointing out that "their counsel have made me better", he stated.

The Governor who appreciated the Catholic Church for keeping faith with the work of God, described them as one of most organised Christian denominations.

He noted that "the Clergies of the Church have remained committed to both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. The Catholic Church as the mother of all churches have preserved their doctrines"

Governor Ortom then charged Christians in the country to rise up to their responsibilities, stating that "Nigeria is in a war situation as we speak. "Those Christians who are sitting on the fence saying that politics is dirty are wrong. They should step forward and take their positions and show interest to bring the country back on track. Now it is time for the validation of voters cards, let us mobilise our people to register so they can vote in the elections."

He encouraged Christians to " to unite as a church and be prepared because terrorists have surrounded the country."

Earlier in a remark, Sir Michael who intimated the governor about the activities of the body, commended him for standing for the oppressed and the downtrodden in the society.

He encouraged the Governor to continue to do good despite challenges as the people will appreciate him more when he must have completed his tenure and left.

He explained that the Knight of St. Mulumber KSM), which was instituted on June 15, 1953  by Catholic Bishops Conference, take care of the poor, defend the church and the clergy. "We do so many things to uplift the plight of the downtrodden in the society."

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has charged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State to unite and take drastic steps to ensure that those who left the party return. 

He also advised them to  embark on new membership drive to strengthen the fortunes of the party in the 2023 general elections. 

The governor spoke Wednesday, April 6th, 2022 at the Benue State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja at a meeting with some key stakeholders of the party from Nasarawa State to find solutions to the leadership crises that has plagued the party in the state. 

Governor Ortom charged the leaders to "be united as a team. We need to push harder to bring everyone back." 

He lamented that he is "not happy being the only PDP governor in the North Central zone", stressing that, "if we were more in numbers, it would have been better" 

He however expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for keeping faith with the party and encouraged them not give up while assuring them of his support always. 

Governor Ortom was optimistic that "The performance of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has given the PDP opportunity to bounce back" 
On strategies to winning elections in the state, Governor Ortom appealed to the party leaders to be united for the interest of the party by building consensus as an easy way to entrench confidence among its members. 

He told them that, "Consensus has worked for us in Benue State. I urge you to adopt same. Look for popular candidates for all the positions and appeal to those who may not get the tickets to work for the party." 

Chairman, Board of Trustee, BOT, of PDP, Walid Jibril thanked Governor Ortom for his leadership role in the North Central region of the country particularly, Nasarawa State. 

The BOT chairman while assuring the party of his support, emphasised that the unity of the party should be the concern of stakeholders of the party in the state, pointing out that "We should do away with all forms of sentiments and go for the best candidate" 

Senator Solomon Ewuga appealed to members of the party to put the interest of the party above every other interest. 

He alleged that the APC in the state is plotting to disrupt the progress that the PDP has made so far. 

Chairman, PDP Nasarawa State, Francis Orogu and Yusuf Ayitogo in their separate remarks, appealed to the stakeholders of the party to ensure that justice, equity and fairness reigns in the state. 

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Information and Communication, Labaran Maku has indicated that he was rejoining the PDP. 

He stated this shortly before the beginning of the meeting of the Nasarawa State stakeholders of the party with the Benue State Governor when he was called in to brief the meeting. 

Maku described the PDP as his home, stating that even in the heat of the electioneering campaign while he was in the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), he never said anything negative against the PDP. 

He assured Governor Ortom of his support to ensure that Nasarawa State is returned to the PDP. "I have come with a clean heart to work together with stakeholders of the party for the victory of the party in Nasarawa State", he stated.

By Esther Daniels

PRESS STATEMENT

Benue state Governor Dr Samuel Ortom has congratulated former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark who turned 74 years old today, April 8, 2022.

Senator Mark was born in Otukpo, Benue state on April 8, 1948.

Governor Ortom in a congratulatory message described Sen Mark as a worthy son of Benue state and a pan Nigerian.

He paid glowing tribute to Mark for his steadfastness and unwavering commitment in the service to the nation.

The Governor noted the contributions of Sen Mark in the political evolution of Nigeria and urged him to make his wealth of experience available for the younger generation to tap from.

“Senator Mark has been a leader and stabilizer in the contemporary history of Nigeria. We, in Benue state are proud of him. We wish him more fruitful years in the service to our fatherland", he stated.

By Esther Daniels


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has directed the reinstatement of political appointees who had resigned to contest elections but were not favoured by zoning. 

He said, however, that only those whose positions were not replaced will enjoy the privilege. 

Governor Ortom disclosed this Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at a parley he had with all political appointees from the 14 local government areas of the state. 

The governor said the gesture to reinstate the former aides who lost their bids for various elective political offices was to show his appreciation for their dedication in supporting and working for his administration since their appointment and supporting consensus arrangement in their various constituencies. 

The governor who used the occasion to clear the air on speculations about a rift between him and the national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu dismissed insinuations of any disagreement, saying those who creating such false stories will be disappointed. 

In his words, "I have no single problem with our national chairman, Senator Ayu, our leader, Senator David Mark, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Abba Moro, Orker Jev or any leader of the party. We are consulting with one another without rancour. So there is no truth whatsoever in such rumours. 

The governor maintained that " We are working together for the success of our party and there is nothing like division or rift whatsoever. There is nothing that will divide us", he stated. 

The governor will be holding another meeting with his appointees from the Benue South Senatorial District at a later date.

By Esther Daniels


The crisis that engulfed the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been finally resolved. 

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom who is also the Chairman of the committee set up by the National Executive Committee, NEC of PDP disclosed this to journalists Wednesday April 6th, 2022 at the end of a  meeting that lasted more than six hours with the warring parties at the Benue State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja. 

The PDP had on March 16th, 2022 at its 95th NEC meeting constituted a three-member reconciliation committee to resolve the crisis in the Edo State chapter of the party. 

The committee has Governor Ortom as chairman while Governors Ifeanyi Okowa,  Bala Mohammed and Dairus Ishaku of Delta, Bauchi and Taraba States respectively are members. 

Members of the committee and the warring factions in the Edo crises were beaming with smiles as they stepped out of the meeting hall at about midnight. 

Governor Ortom who was flanked by members of the committee as well as Governor Godwin Obaseki and Chief Dan Orbih made brief remarks to journalists on the outcome of the prolonged meeting. 

He said: "As you are aware, the National Executive Committee of our great party put us together to resolve the issues in Edo State; and successfully by the grace of God, we have resolved all the issues and are going back to Edo State as one PDP party. No more factions, no more disagreement. And by the grace of God, we are sure that it shall be well in Edo State" 

Others who were present at the meeting include the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu  National Vice Chairman of PDP, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih;  Senators and members of House of Representatives from Edo State as well as the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi.

By Esther Daniels

Media Mogul and Chairman of Roots Television Nigeria, Dumebi Kachikwu, on Wednesday, officially declared his interest to contest for the office of President during the 2023 presidential election.

Apart from revealing that he will be running for office of President on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kachikwu, during a virtual broadcast, titled: “My Opening Argument” on Wednesday, vowed to initiate public service reforms, eliminate corruption and win war against terrorism.

He also promised to ensure that men and women enjoy equal opportunities, welfare for teachers, support technology-driven education and healthcare system to stop medical and education tourism abroad.

He also pledged to eliminate corruption by ensuring that Nigerian workers are paid better salaries, build modern cities and ensure that all nook and cranny of the country have better amenities, world class health facilities and accessible and affordable internet services.

He promised to redirect the vast energies of youths to productive venture like trading with their technological skills rather than engaging in online scams popularly called ‘yahoo yahoo.’

He said if elected President, he will collaborate with state governments to invest in power generation, build broadband internet infrastructure and limit states and private sector to distribution activities only.

Kachikwu outlined 20 reasons why he should be elected the next President of Nigeria, as follows:

1. A New Deal For Nigerians

“Together we can design a new menu for our people. We will rebuild Nigeria from the ground up and do away with the faulty and archaic colonial foundation that now characterises our current existence. We must define our common charter as Nigerians and constitute a new nation that is not only inclusive for all but guarantees equal rights and expressions to all irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion.
This new Nigeria must come first before any other identification. It will be our common bond as we do away with all colonial relics of division, mistrust and hatred.

“No longer will we engage based on Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba or North and South but on the basis of Nigeria, our only fatherland. We will resist all those who make religion and tribe their mantra. It will no longer be business as usual. We will zone out all proponents of zoning and usher in a Nigeria that promotes merit, character and knowhow above primordial sentiments.”

2. Make Merit A National Policy

“Every component part of Nigeria is blessed with those who have the talents and abilities to pilot the affairs of Nigeria and we must create the enabling environment for these people to emerge in government and governance. Nigeria will no longer be associated with mediocrity as we will invest in our citizens, our greatest asset. The toga of lazy youths won’t stand as we build the greatest workforce on earth. We must build a workforce that knows today and understands the demands and dictates of tomorrow. We can no longer be in conflict with what we don’t know as we make policy somersaults over modern age financial instruments like bitcoins.”

3. Make Government Accessible to all Citizens

“We cannot be seen to be banning and unbanning platforms like twitter that define the expression of the modern man. No longer will our citizenry be driven to the dark web and unconventional means of communications as they seek to hide from a repressive Government.
Government is and should be a big brother and not a big bully. Millions of our citizenry still live without light and potable water in the year 2022. This is unconscionable.”

4. Prioritise Generation and Distribution of Electric Power

“There is no rocket science to generating power, neither is there magic in distributing power. Our debilitating challenges are man-made and we must use an iron fist in crushing those whose decades of evil practice in our public service space have led us to the brink. We will treat those who sabotage our nation and way of life as saboteurs.”

5. Bar Public Servants from Foreign Medical Treatment, Education for Wards

“We can’t have different rules for different criminals. If you do the crime, you do the time. If given the privilege to lead you my first executive interface with the National Assembly will include a bill, I have dubbed the Nigerian Patriot Act. It is a bill of equality and fairness. It is a bill that says we are all in this together. It is a bill that ensures that public servants cannot use the privileges they cannot provide to the common man.

“If you desire to be in the public service, you must use the same services the masses use. No private or foreign schools for our families, no private or foreign hospitals for us or our families, no generators or boreholes in our homes. If we desire efficient and effective education, healthcare, utilities, etc we must make it available to all so that we may all equally benefit from it.”

6. Stop Incessant And unprofitable Borrowings by States, Federal Governments

“We must resist the wicked urge to take on sovereign debts that benefit a few but repaid by all. We can no longer borrow to build bridges and highways that lead nowhere when the internet is the highway of the future. Borrowings must satisfy the criteria of commercial viability while providing much needed basic amenities.”

7. Make Internet Broadband Available and Affordable

“We need governors who understand that the internet is the highway of the future. As you build roads you must build critical broadband infrastructure. We will make broadband available and affordable for all because this is the only leverage our kids have to compete in the new world.

8. Investment in Power and Telecoms Infrastructure

“I will work with the State Governors on a plan that sees the Federal Government investing in national trunks for power and telecoms while the state governments and private sector participants focus on in state distribution. We will harness all sources of energy to provide power to our people while giving preference to clean energies.”

9. Modernise Nigerian Cities With State of the Art Amenities

“We must replan our cities and build-out modern infrastructure so as to reverse the rural urban migration that threatens most of our communities. It makes no sense to allow the brain drain occasioned by the migration of the middle class when all they seek is security, jobs, good and affordable homes, healthcare, constant power, etc. I will make these a standard in all our cities.”

10. Transform Farming into Agribusiness

“Visionless leadership cannot continue to lead our people astray. We must elevate our millions of farmer to
agripreneurs and and transition farming to agribusiness. We will secure our farmlands and protect our men and women from those who seek to do them harm. Our farms will no longer be known as killing fields but the food factory of Africa, providing millions of good paying jobs for the middle class.”

11. Win War Against Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping

“For too long our people have cried. Men and women are being butchered, orphans and widows created by the minute by a war sustained by the greedy who profit from defence contracts and the blood thirsty, who seek to destroy our way of life. We will confront them headlong and destroy them. This war will be fought on our terms. We will arm all the willing and able to rid our nation of foreign invaders. We will take the fight to their camps as we arrest and prosecute their sponsors.

“We will no longer close one flank and leave another flank open for further incursions. The full might of the Nigerian army and the united will of the Nigerian people will confront our enemies. Our army will have clear instructions on what to do to the enemy. Our borders will be closed to all those who seek to harm us because we now know the enemy is the enemy irrespective of religion, tribe and tongue. War is war and Nigeria will win this war.”

12. Promote Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life

“My administration will revenge the lives of all soldiers and civilians killed. They will pay a huge price for their folly and be told in no uncertain terms that Nigeria is not a no man’s land. This is my promise. The sanctity and dignity of life will be restored under my watch. Ritual killings, trade in body parts and kidnappings have no place in civilised society. We will rid our forests of scam artists masquerading as native doctors who promise riches to the weak and lazy. We will protect our young men and women from these predators.”

13. Teach Youths How To Trade With the Internet Instead of ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Scams

“I do understand that the APC government has succeeded in weaponizing poverty and hunger, but we mustn’t let our basic decency as human beings be eroded. If you can use the internet for Yahoo, you can use the internet to trade. We will guide you and teach you the rudiments of digital commerce. We will build technology parks in every senatorial district in Nigeria that will serve as incubation centres for digital jobs, research and development. We are an English-speaking nation and we will use this to our advantage to provide services to people all over the world from the comfort of our homes.”

14. Stop Brain Drain of Skilled Manpower

“We are the technology generation; technology will be used to leapfrog Nigeria from third world to developed nation. Nigerians are the brains and engine rooms of most nations why can’t they do the same here? No sensible nation allows their best and brightest to leave. We will reverse this ugly trend. Nigeria will work again for everyone.

15. Make Nigeria Waterfronts International Tourist Destination

“We will turn our hundreds of kilometres of beach front land to international tourist destinations providing jobs to our people and bringing much needed foreign exchange.

16. Build Modern Healthcare, Education Facilities

“We will build first class hospitals not just for our citizens but for foreigners desiring first class medical services. We will defend our future by sufficiently investing in education. If this generation has missed it, the next generation must get it right. We owe this to ourselves. Our schools will have modern teaching aids and learning systems and our kids equipped with smart devices. We will retrain all our teachers and pay them better because they are our first line of defence. Our women will join us on the table of equality. They will be respected and promoted. They will be afforded the same opportunities men have. If they can do it, they will do it.

17 Promote Arts, Music Industry

“The Arts won’t be mere lip service in my administration. It only makes sense that our movie and music industry are supported. They have made us proud and still make us proud. Investing in and promoting that industry is not only patriotic, but it also makes perfect business sense. The technology exists to correct their decades long problem of distribution and piracy. This we will do.”

18 Eliminate Corruption By Removing Predisposing Factors

“In this new Nigeria we won’t keep on shouting corruption when our very foundation is corrupt. We will engineer systems and processes that ensure that our citizens don’t turn to corruption by default. We will pay a fair pay for hard work. We will no longer cheat our citizens with the ridiculous minimum wage we offer knowing that we leave them no other option but to steal.

19. Why I want to be President

“My dear Nigerians, I have no money to share to you but my love I will give you. I will always lead in love and by example. I have told your story today because mine is not as important as yours. I am you and you are me. We mustn’t continue to recount the sorrows of yesterday. We will fight for today and defend tomorrow. This we can do. This we must do. This is why I am running for the office of President of Nigeria. It is the office of the Nigerian people. Under my presidency, this office will serve the Nigerian people. This is my promise to you. I need your support on this journey because without you I can’t do it. This is our collective fight. It is a generational fight for our today and the future of our children.

20. Cry For Help, Support

“The odds are heavily stacked against us. We don’t have instruments of coercion or oppression. We don’t have looted funds to buy votes. We don’t have mainstream media on our side. We don’t have the party structure of the APC or PDP but we have the peoples structure. I stand today on the wings and aspirations of over 215 million Nigerians. I represent your hopes and dreams of a Nigeria that works. It is possible and we will make it happen come 2023.

“Tell every man woman and child that Dumebi has come. Let the echo of Dumebi has come ring from every doorway. Go to the market places and tell them Dumebi has come. Dumebi has come is the cry of freedom. 2023 is our year of freedom. I love you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.”

By Esther Daniels


The Polish Embassy in Nigeria, has disclosed how citizens of the country created "special assistance platforms", to assist Nigerian refugees fleeing Ukraine from the Russian aggression.

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abuja, in a press release issued on Wednesday, said "Polish citizens created special assistance platforms dedicated exclusively to assisting African nationals, a large percentage of whom are Nigerians."

Recall that Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 with heavy bombardment forcing more than 4.2 million people to flee the country, over 2 million of whom fled to the neighbouring Poland. The over 4,000 Nigerians in Ukraine, mostly students, fleeing the warring country were majorly received in Poland.

The Polish embassy said its citizens offered Nigerians and other African refugees supports including, "finding accommodation, translation services and free of charge legal assistance for those wishing to remain in Poland".

It said apart from helping refugees who crossed the border, Poland "is also showing our Ukrainian neighbors
solidarity on every level: political, national and human".

It said, "Humanitarian convoys leave Poland for Ukraine on a daily basis transporting medicine, food, clothing and other necessities financed by
the Polish government, NGOs and individuals". It added that Poland has contributed 500 000 CHF for humanitarian actions conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The embassy reiterated Poland's commitment to continue working with Nigeria noting that although Poland has no strong historical and political ties with Nigeria, as it never colonized any
African nation, on a bilateral level, it has maintained friendly diplomatic relations with Nigeria for the
past sixty years".

It said, for the past ten years the Polish government has supported Nigeria through its development cooperation
program “Polish Aid”.

By Esther Daniels


The Senate, on Wednesday, considered a bill to establish the National Religious Harmony Commission.

The National Religious Harmony Commission (Establishment) Bill 2022, sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North), scaled second reading during plenary.

Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Umar the piece of legislation seeks to establish the NRHC to serve as an intervention to promote religious tolerance, peace and harmony in Nigeria.

He observed that the United Nations Charter and several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) are based on the principles of the dignity and equality of all human beings.

He explained that the UN charter seeks the promotion and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction to race, sex, language or religion.

“Having realised the sensitive role religion plays in national security, peace and harmony, the Federal Government wishes to promote inter-religious harmony and understanding due to the Chequers history of religious intolerance in the Nigerian polity”, Senator Umar said.

He stated that the bill seeks to create an enabling environment for the peaceful coexistence of different religious beliefs within the Nigerian nation as well as provide a forum for public enlightenment and dialogue.

The lawmaker, noted that doing so would limit controversy and confrontation over allegations of discriminations based on religious identities to check the insidious effects of religious bigotry, profiling, stereotyping, violence, discrimination, extremism and hate speech.

According to him, the Commission would, among others, ensure the protection of right to religious freedom, assist victims of religious discrimination or violations, investigate cases of religious extremism and hate speeches, and detect and curtail early warning signals of acts capable of triggering religious tension in the country.

He added that the NRHC would be charged with the responsibility to review safeguards provided under the Constitution or any law for the protection of religious rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation and enforcement.

The bill after consideration was referred by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters for legislative inputs.

The Committee was given four weeks to turn in its report.

In a related development, a bill seeking to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to establish the Federal College of Education Arochukwu, Abia State, by converting the existing College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, to a Federal College of Education, also scaled second reading on Wednesday.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North).

The bill after consideration was referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund for further work. The Committee was also given four weeks to report back to the chamber in plenary.

By Esther Daniels


Former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has fired back at the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for stating that the Igbo were a cursed people and could not rule Nigeria yet.
Okorocha said that the Igbo were not Nigeria’s problem, rather they were an asset to the country since they could be found everywhere.

Okorocha, who represents the Imo West at the Senate, said this on Tuesday at his Unity House Campaign office in Abuja, during the visit of the All Progressives Congress National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.

Bakare’s statement was seen in a viral video where he claimed the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa, cursed the Igbo before he was killed during a coup.

He said, “Why should anyone in this country say the Igbo man cannot be president of Nigeria? I was at Imo State and I told them the reason why the Igbo cannot rule Nigeria and I want to remove the curse today.

“Do you know what happened? The day Tafawa Balewa was killed, they removed his turban, poured wine on his head, forced him to drink, and shot him. In the process, he cursed them saying, ‘none of your tribe will ever rule Nigeria.

“I want to break the curse today because this generation of Igbos was not part of those people. By the authority of God’s word, I reverse the curse of Tafawa Balewa over the Igbo generation. Henceforth, the Igbo’s will have access to the throne like any other Nigerian”.

Commenting on Bakare’s statement, the 2023 presidential aspirant said the cleric’s claims were unwarranted and an overstatement.

“When I listened to Bakare mention that the Igbos are cursed in the cause of his preaching, I think that is an overstatement and unwarranted preaching. I must state here categorically that Igbos are not cursed and they will never be cursed.

“They are peaceful and blessed Nigerians who are found in every nook and cranny of this country. They may not be good politicians, because of the kind of politics we play in Nigeria, but definitely, they are not cursed. Igbos are a great asset to this country. They are not the problem,” Okorocha stated.

By Esther Daniels


PRESS STATEMENT

The attention of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has been drawn to some online media reports alleging a split in the people's Democratic Party (PDP) family over the ongoing consultation towards consensus candidates for the forthcoming elections. This is false.

Ordinarily, we will not give attention to such unfounded gossip or accord its response with an official seal but for the sake of the less knowledgeable about the political dynamics of the Benue state.

For the avoidance of doubt, all stakeholders in the PDP family led by Governor Ortom have been meeting and consulting on all elective positions and the best way possible to produce candidates for the 2023 elections. This is to avoid rancour and maintain a harmonious political family.

The essence is to achieve consensus and run an inclusive party where everyone would be carried along as a stakeholder.

In all the meetings so far, it has been more like a family affair under a convivial atmosphere and there has not been any case of disagreement or altercation of any kind.

It is therefore a surprise to read media reports alleging a split in the ranks of our political leaders. There is nothing like that. At best, it is in the imagination of the writers, particularly the opposition party who have not developed the capacity for a harmonious and an all embracing election processes for the good of their members that are spreading baseless informations.

It is a fact that the PDP family in Benue is united and working in one accord. Those trying to insinuate disaffection amongst our leaders will be disappointed because the PDP will come out from this exercise stronger and better prepared for victory in the 2023 general elections.

We, therefore, urge all our members to disregard any insinuation to that effect. Governor Ortom is providing the right leadership in consultation with the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, Senator Gabriel Suswam and many others. And we shall sail to the promised undistracted.