The two Dead people are to represent our ancestors - PDP

The Benue PDP has given reasons why it included the names of two Dead people as those expected at the cacus meeting of the party tomorrow.

Commenting on the inclusion, a member of the PDP publicity department Mr Austine Adanwo gave the reason in the excerpts below.

"PDP is a good political platform because it promotes representative democracy. In PDP, every group is represented in the decision making process. The two dead men on the invitation list for the caucus meeting are therefore the representative of the ancestors" - Austine K Adanwo[color=#990000][/color]

BAILOUT FUNDS NOT DIVERTED IN BENUE

Our attention has been drawn to the report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, published in some of today's national dailies regarding the disbursement of the bailout funds given to states by the Federal Government in which the anti-graft agency alleged that part of the funds have been misappropriated in Benue State.

It said, "In Benue State, the total debt accrued from staff salaries and emoluments amounted to N12, 503, 439, 787. 48. The state received N12, 503, 439, 787.48 as bailout fund and disbursed N10, 852, 536, 702.96 with a balance of N1, 650, 903, 084.52. Analysis of the documents submitted revealed a double payment of N37, 760, 000.00 in favour of the Office of the Deputy Governor. This double payment is presently being investigated, " ICPC stated.

We would not have bothered to respond at this point since ICPC has also admitted that it is still carrying out investigation and will surely arrive at the truth of the matter, but for the sake of other Nigerians and Benue people in particular, it is important that we put the records straight.

It is true that the Benue State Government received the said amount from the Federal Government to clear the backlog of wages of workers of the state and the funds were judiciously appropriated for the purpose they were obtained. The quoted amount of N37, 760, 000.00 is the statutory sum paid monthly to Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi which is owned by the Benue State Government.

What the ICPC describes as "double payment in favour of the office of the Deputy Governor" was actually two months' payment made to the football club through the office of the Deputy Governor as is usually the case over the years. The payment was for the months of March and April, 2015 as part of salaries owed officials and players of the team for which the bailout funds were sourced.

The Benue State Deputy Governor is the Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club and his office where the bank account for Lobi Stars' funds is domiciled, handles all matters affecting the club including payment of salaries and allowances.

We wish to reiterate that the bailout funds given to Benue State have been transparently handled and the State Government has repeatedly informed the people of the state that the over N1 billion balance after the payment of the backlog of workers' salaries has not been diverted.

We acknowledge the role of the ICPC and other agencies in ensuring accountability in the polity and invite the commission to carryout further investigation to ascertain the veracity of our explanation.

The Ortom administration will continue to uphold transparency as its watchword in providing good governance for the people of Benue State.

Signed:

David Olofu
Hon. Commissioner for Finance

Posted by Teryila Ibn Apine

GOVERNOR SAMUEL ORTOM MIRACLES AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY.

By Teryila Ibn Apine

The world over the education remains a fundamental tool for the development of both the individual and the society.

Education is essential for everyone. It is the level of education that helps people earn respect and recognition. In my opinion, it is indispensable part of life both personally and socially. However, the unequal standard of education is still a major problem that needs to be deeply looked into.

The greatest problem with education in our part of the continent is the quality of education obtainable in our places of learning. From unavailability of staff to infrastructure to the condition of learning. All these pose a big threat.

My concern today is with health education. Health, no doubt is wealth. With the general out break of epidemics like the lassa fever, HIV, Ebola etc. Every leader and everyone should be concerned with training and equipping health personel and institutions to surmount such challenges.

Part of the score card of the Ortom administration in its early days is in the health sector. The Governor paid for the accreditation of the Benue State University school of health Sciences. This has culminated in the graduation of the first ever set of indigenous medical doctors from our own university. These doctors had stagnated for a period of twelve years.

Similarly, the school of nursing and midwifery Makurdi suffered total neglect. Worthy of commendation is the fact that without the Governor's show of concern, this all important school would have been closed down by may this year after the graduation of the current last set of students in the school. The school had lost accreditation three years ago and as such could not admit new students for same three years.

The Governor has sunk 200 million into the school for a wholistic renovation after which there will be reaccreditation of this all important nursing school.

For the Ortom administration, while it has set the Benue State University Makurdi to produce medical doctors for the state, it is positioning the school of nursing and midwifery Makurdi to produce quality midwives and nurses.

This will remain indelible in the hearts of the first set of medical doctors and the students and the school of nursing. Those who would have been denied their dream career as a result of the withdrawal of the accreditation owing to the inability of the past government to provide the needed infrastructure and manpower.

While I visited the school this evening to see the work going on there the students were visibly excited about the renovation and expressed gratitude to the Governor. They informed me that the entire turn around in the school looks to them like a dream and a miracle.

What caught my attention was the quality and enormity of the work done. For a school that Was decaying, decrepit, taken over by bats and mushroomed the renovation is very timely.

See pictures of ongoing work below.

ORTOM CHARGES BENUE PEOPLE TO BE COMPASSIONATE

By Tahav Agerzua

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, today charged well to do individuals and organizations in the state to show compassion on the less privileged in the society.

He gave the charge when he visited the Centre for Parental Care of the Old and Vulnerable, CEPACOV, in Makurdi.

Governor Ortom stated that showing compassion was the surest way of attracting and retaining God’s blessings.

He donated a Toyota Hilux, pledged a monthly imprest of N500, 000, beds and mattresses as well as wheelchairs to the home even as he directed that one of the inmates, Pa Iurun Tso, should be treated of hernia at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital at his cost.

Governor Ortom promised to support the home to deliver on its responsibilities to the inmates and urged well to do individuals and organizations to emulate the Executive Director of the home, Mrs. Theresa Atser Iwail who he described as the Mother Theresa of Benue State.

Mrs. Iwail stated that she was inspired to establish the home.

“I got the inspiration from God as I sat in church one day and an old woman soaked in urine walked past me, she was unkempt and stunk, I felt for her and sought after her after mass and assisted her to tidy up and since then I have this burning desire and love for the aged,” she stated.

“Individualism, selfishness and the prevailing poverty in the country has made the living condition of the elderly very pitiable and deplorable, hence the need to love and care for them.”

She said her organization has fifty out-patient clients on monthly stipends and eight others living in the Old Peoples Care Home.

Mrs. Iwail said Governor Ortom was the first Governor to visit the 10-year old home and listed difficulty in paying its 13 staff, land for expansion, bus, more beds and wheelchairs as challenges for which she solicited assistance.

Posted by Teryila Ibn Apine

ORTOM PREACHES PEACE...FROM THE BENUE PEOPLES HOUSE

21st – 26th Dec.

By Terver Akase

Hello Friends,
I am glad to welcome you to the Christmas edition of ‘From the Benue Peoples House’, a weekly review of activities of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
In this package, Governor Ortom felicitates with the people and enjoins them to sustain peaceful coexistence in his message to the Christian and Muslim communities during the 2015 Eid-el-Maulud and Christmas. He promotes education, and gives assurance on security as well as fulfilment of promises. Governor Ortom also held the last executive council meeting in 2015 during which the 2016 budget estimates were concluded.
The week was expectedly characterised by activities marking this year’s Christmas as the Benue Peoples House was colourfully decorated in readiness for the birth of Jesus Christ. The State Governor performed a number of functions before leaving for his country home in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area to celebrate the Yuletide with his people.
MONDAY
ORTOM CHAIRS LAST 2015 EXCO MEETING
Governor Ortom chaired a marathon session of the Benue State Executive Councila at which the final figures of the 2016 state budget were deliberated upon and decisions arrived at preparatory to presentation to the State Assembly. The meeting started at noon and lasted far into the night.
...ASSURES ON SECURITY DURING THE YULETIDE
Also on Monday, Governor Ortom assured the people of the state that his administration will support security agencies to ensure a hitch-free festive season.
Governor Ortom gave the assurance when the Benue State Council of Imams and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid him a courtesy visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
He said the State Government would continue to accord priority to the security of lives and property in all parts of the state.
Governor Ortom urged the people of the state to collaborate and support security agencies to do more in combating crime.
He said the existing peace between herdsmen and farmers would hasten development in the areas previously affected by clashes, promising that his administration would continue to engage the governments of neighbouring states to curb border crises.
Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Imams, Mallam Umar Shuaibu, commended Governor Ortom for his security initiatives leading to the restoration of peace to areas affected by frequent clashes between herders and farmers.
Still on Monday,
DEPLOY CREATIVE IDEAS, SKILLS TO BOOST ECONOMY – ORTOM
Governor Ortom, that same day, charged the people of the state to deploy their creative ideas and skills to boost the economy of the state.
He gave the charge when separate groups visited him at the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi.
These included the Ipusu community in Makurdi, the Workman Network and the Ortom Mastermind Group.
Governor Ortom stated that it had become imperative for indigenes to look inwards and rely on their creative ideas and entrepreneurial skills to pull out of the current economic downturn.
He commended indigenes that have embarked on small scale enterprises such as shoe and soap making saying his administration would encourage micro, small and medium scale firms even as it would create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
The Governor commended the groups for their support during his electioneering campaigns and their support for his administration.
He said they raised funds on their own and exhibited uncommon resilience to the realization of his aspiration assuring that their labor would not be in vain because they sowed on fertile ground.
Leaders of the various groups, Elder Nder Anye for the Ipusu community, Reverend Abraham Ayuba, Workman Network and David Adzenda for Ortom Mastermind commended the Governor for his initiatives in governance and requested the empowerment of members of their groups.
They said their members have set up medium scale enterprises such as groundnut and soya mills, massive crop production, printing presses, fashion houses as well as cement block industries among others and appealed for patronage.
TUESDAY
... INTERACTS WITH BENUE PEOPLE ON HIS BLUEPRINT
Benue people interacted with Governor Ortom during a special edition of Radio Benue weekly audience participatory programme, Issues of the Moment.
The Governor received over 300 text messages to which he responded during the two-hour programme, from 8 to 10 am. The programme focused on the blueprint of his administration, “Our Collective Vision for a New Benue.”
Most of the people who interacted with the Governor through the messages or phone calls either drew his attention to key areas which they wanted his administration to concentrate on or commended him on his efforts since assumption of office.
Governor Ortom reassured the people that his administration will fully implement its blueprint.
WEDNESDAY
...LEAVES FOR GBAJIMBA TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
Governor Ortom left for his country home in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area of the state to celebrate Christmas with his people.
THURSDAY
...PREACHES PEACE IN HIS CHRISTMAS AND EID-EL-MAULUD MESSAGE
Governor Ortom felicitated with the Christian and Muslim communities in the state on the occasion of the celebration of the 2015 Christmas and Eid-el-Maulud.
The occasions mark the births of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammed respectively.
In a statement, the Governor prayed that the peace and love of the season may be with the people and also enable them to have hitch-free celebrations.
He urged Muslims and Christians in the state to live in harmony and avoid acts that engender discord and that are likely to breach the prevailing peace among the two groups.
According to the Governor, the festive season should not only be a time for celebration but also for sober reflection on the lives of both the Lord Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammed who lived lives of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity.
He reassured the people that his administration would continue to do those things that promote unity, love and development while reiterating the commitment of his administration to safeguarding lives and property in all parts of the state.
The Governor also wished the people of the state a happy and prosperous New Year in advance.
Still on Thursday,
DR EUNICE ORTOM CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH ORPHANS AND CHILDREN
Wife of the Governor, Dr Mrs. Eunice Ortom hosted Benue children at the new banquet hall of the Benue Peoples House for a Christmas party.
Mrs. Ortom addressed the children, who were either accompanied by their parents or other relations.
Below was her message:
‘‘Greetings to you my dear lovely children of Benue State.
I am overwhelmed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with you here in the Benue Peoples House and I therefore on behalf of His Excellency, Samuel Ortom, welcome you all to this Christmas Party, specially put together for you because Children are special people.
Christmas is a day set aside by Christians from all over the world to remember the virgin birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was born on 25th December. It is a day of happiness and celebration.
As we gather here today, I want all of you to be well behaved and respectful children because the Bible tells us to respect our parents so that our days may be increased. You are therefore expected to be humble, and of good character in your families and any where you are, respect your elders, guardians and teachers.
I also call on you to read your books very well and excel in school because education is the key to success. Do not join bad company in school and at home. Do not be wayward children and be of help to your parents at home.
Finally, I wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.’’
FRIDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY)
WE'LL FULFILL PROMISES – ORTOM
Governor Ortom, on this day, reassured the people of the state that his administration will fulfill its promises to lift the state to an enviable height.
He gave the assurance in a sermon as a lay preacher during the Christmas Day Church Service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Excellent Parish, in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area.
Governor Ortom urged the people to show love and kindness to the needy and to sustain peace in the state.
He stated that God gave His only Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world and that mankind had no reason to continue in sin, stressing that if people allowed God to take dominion over their lives, they would have glorious testimonies to make.
Governor Ortom said his administration would continue to position the state on the path of success, assuring the people that the present economic challenges will be overcome.
He expressed confidence that 2016 will be a year of joy for the people of the state.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the Church Service, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Eunice Ortom thanked God for guiding the present administration to turnaround the numerous challenges it met and placing the state for greater things in the coming year.
Mrs. Ortom urged parents to monitor the conduct and movement of their children especially during the festive season to prevent them from engaging in negative acts. She wished the people merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Still on Christmas Day,

... SAYS EDUCATION REMAINS PANACEA FOR POVERTY

Governor Ortom urged the people of the state to embrace education as it remained the surest solution to ignorance, poverty and disease.
Governor Ortom who made the call while addressing hundreds of people across the state and beyond who came to celebrate Christmas with him at his home in Gbajimba, advised parents and guardians to ensure that their wards go to school as that would empower them to build careers and aspire to any position in life.
He urged youths of the state to accord elders respect so that they could also grow, stressing the need for the people to return to agriculture as oil revenue from the federation’s account could no longer sustain the state.

Governor Ortom thanked former Governor of the state, Senator George Akume for the immense support he provided for his emergence as Governor and thereafter, assuring the All Progressives Congress, APC leader in the state that he will not disappoint Benue people.
Earlier, Senator George Akume commended Governor Ortom for his efforts despite what he described as the terrible state the economy was in when he assumed office.
He called on the people to be patient with Governor Ortom as he was still cleansing the mess left behind by the immediate past administration.

Senator Akume urged the Governor not to be distracted by the few voices of the opposition who had vowed never to see anything good in his administration.
‘’Do not be bothered Governor; majority of our people are with you. The people appreciate what you are doing and are supporting you. You are doing quite well. Those opposing you are in the minority," he stressed.

Also speaking, former governorship candidate and the Director-General of the Ortom-Abounu Campaign Organisation, Professor Steve Ugbah, expressed conviction that the Ortom administration would deliver on its promises to the people.
He urged the people to support the state government, adding that with the manner Governor Ortom had begun, there was hope for a new Benue.
SATURDAY
... RETURNS TO MAKURDI
Governor Ortom returned to Makurdi after the Christmas celebration at his country home in Guma.
That ends this edition of ‘From the Benue Peoples House’. Special thanks to Tahav Agerzua, Special Adviser, Media and ICT for his contribution.
Join us again next weekend for a fresh package. Happy New Year people.

POSTED BY TERYILA IBN APINE

Teryila Ibn Apine MP at the social media change agents meeting

Gov Ortom, Wife Give Hope To The Hopeless

By Solomon Ayado

— Dec 20, 2015
People living with disabilities and some with special needs in Benue State have been provided assistance to enhance their well-being and uplift their living conditions.

The living conditions of persons with varied physical deficiencies has been a major source of worry to the state government.

In the preparedness of the government and relevant agencies to provide the health needs of this category of people, several measures have been taken.

People with physical special needs grapple with neglect, and stigmatisation in the society.

While several of the persons living with disabilities indulge in crafts, business and academic pursuits to improve their lots, others are faced with deplorable physically challenged conditions that hinder them from engaging in productive ventures that can add value to national growth.

The people, especially those living in the rural areas lack basic amenities of life, such as water, electricity, rural roads and functional educational institutions. They also suffer varied diseases.

To bring an end to this ,the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has thought it wise to give priority attention to the enhancement of the life of people living with disabilities and other physical needs as captured in the five cardinal points of the governor’s administration blueprint.

At a time that the agrarian state and country is faced with serious economic challenges, this category of people need urgent measures that could alleviate their poor living conditions.

To complement the government’s efforts in this regard, the wife of the state governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom engaged in a partnership with the Benue State Rehabilitation Board to see to the various needs of the physically challenged persons. The occasion of presentation of wheel chairs and other relevant items to the disabled persons was held at the New Banquet Hall of the People’s House, Makurdi.

Mrs Ortom said the promotion of natural values and provision of basic amenities to the people and those living with disabilities was critical to the administration of her husband, saying her role will be to complement every effort of government to improve the lives of the populace.

Scores of government functionaries, political stakeholders, religious and traditional institution leaders, witnessed the distribution of the items to over 200 persons living with disabilities.

Mrs Ortom appealed to relevant agencies to give priority attention to the rehabilitation of the physically challenged in the state and country.

Apart from the wheel chairs, other items such as food stuff and toiletries were distributed to the beneficiaries.

The physically challenged persons were made to understand that there is ability in their disabilities.

Governor Ortom during the occasion appointed a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on people with disabilities and special needs, Mr Charles Sati.

This, the governor, said would enable government to identify their challenges and tackle such problems accordingly.

Also, the governor donated vehicles to the Benue State Rehabilitation Board to ease their transportation problems.

The executive secretary of the board, Mrs Tabitha Nevkaa appealed to the government to revamp the agency.

Ortom maintained that the uplift of people living with physical challenges is one of the major cardinal points of his administration and assured that he will continue to provide succor to the less-privileged and be a beacon of hope to them.

“God has brought me to this level by His own making, because I am from a minute village in Guma L.G.A; where anyone would not believe such a person would come from but I continue to keep my trust in God. And so you are very special people, with your disabilities you can still make it in life. So nobody should intimidate you.

“The provision of adequate care to disabled persons and people with special needs is the priority of my administration because it is also included in the five cardinal points of our blue print. Our collective vision for Benue,” Ortom stated.

He, however, urged the disabled to engage in meaningful ventures in order to add value to the society. He said such step would not only provide economic gains to them, but enhance their self fulfillment.

posted by Teryila Ibn Apine

WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THUGGERY - ORTOM

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has restated the resolve of his administration to ensuring that thuggery remains eliminated in all parts of the state.
Governor Ortom made the pledge when the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe paid him a courtesy visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
He said his administration was committed to protecting the rights and privileges of the people, stressing that the days when thugs harassed and beat people were gone for good.
The Governor commended the efforts of the Commission under Professor Angwe and assured of the state government's collaboration in guaranteeing the rights of the people. 
The Governor expressed his belief in freedom of speech and the right of the people to hold divergent opinions on government policies, adding that his administration was taking steps to encourage youths with creative ideas to excel in entrepreneurship.
Speaking earlier, Professor Angwe commended Governor Ortom for his open door policy which made it possible for him and his entourage to access him without previous appointment.
He said they were in the state as part of the national campaign to sensitise Nigerians on their rights.
According him the Universal Declaration of Human Rights had been translated into various languages including those spoken in Benue and presented some copies to the Governor.

POSTED BY TERYILA IBN APINE

FROM THE BENUE PEOPLE’S HOUSE...

7th to 12th December, 2015.

By Terver Akase

Hello Friends

I am glad to be with you again. It’s another edition of your weekly programme, ‘From The Benue People’s House,' a review of activities of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. In this package, Governor Ortom orders immediate payment of salary arrears to workers yet to be paid from the bailout funds. Also in this package, Benue State House of Assembly gives thumps up to Governor Ortom on good performance, as more PDP members decamp to APC.
The week that just ended understandably did not witness several activities at the Benue People’s House. This was because Governor Samuel Ortom had declared the larger part of the week – three days, Tuesday to Thursday, as mourning period for the late Tiv Paramount Ruler, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula. Flags flew at half mast at the Benue People’s House within the mourning period and all official engagements of the Governor were suspended.
Most events that took place at the People’s House during the mourning period were condolence visits to the Governor by concerned Nigerians from within and outside Benue State. Governor Ortom therefore used part of the period to engage in humanitarian and spiritual works.
MONDAY
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who was hosted by Faithway Chapel in Jos at the weekend visited his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Simon Lalong, at the New Government House where he was taken round the expansive premises before travelling to Abuja.
In the nation's capital, he visited the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Harry Purwanto, and requested investors from that country to explore investment opportunities in Benue state.
He said the state had comparative and competitive advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, culture and tourism while his administration had created an enabling environment by boosting the security of lives and property in the state.
According to the Governor, his priorities included the creation of massive jobs, wealth and opportunities through industrialization, micro, small and medium scale enterprises as well as promotion of commercial and investment activities.
Governor Ortom stated that the state was willing to collaborate with local and foreign investors through public private partnership and invited the Ambassador and his team to visit the state to see things for themselves.
He said the state was particularly interested in partnering with investors in the establishment of Industrial Parks and hoped to find such among Indonesians.
In his response Ambassador Purwanto stated that over 20 Indonesian companies were already established and doing well in Nigeria and that he would encourage them to explore investment opportunities in Benue State.
He said his country which had a population of 250 million people spread over 17, 000 islands had similarities with Nigeria moreso that they were both developing countries and that as such they should partner with one another.
The Ambassador promised to find time to visit Benue State and also invited the Governor to visit Indonesia.
He presented souvenirs to the Governor stressing that his country encouraged one on one engagement much more than through media platforms.
TUESDAY
The mourning period for the late Tor Tiv began on this day, so all official engagements were suspended.
Governor Samuel Ortom and his wife Eunice chose the day to engage in humanitarian works and receive visitors who came to the Benue People’s House to express their condolences to the Government and people of the state.
One of the main humanitarian activities of the first family on that day was their visit to the Mama Abayol Orphanage where they adopted a bouncy baby girl, who was picked and taken to the orphanage.
At the occasion, Governor Ortom thanked God for the blessing of the baby and gave assurance that he and his wife would take good care of the baby and train her to the highest level.
He assured the other children at the orphanage that his administration would also provide for their upbringing.
Governor Ortom pledged government's commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts such as orphanages and directed that the state's Head of Service should ensure that all casual staff of the charity home were absolved into the civil service. The Governor also directed the immediate renovation of the Orphanage.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom thanked God for the life of the baby and promised to treat her as her biological child.
She thanked the management of the orphanage for the good work they were doing.
The Acting Director, Child Development, Mr. Anderson Onazi and the Officer in charge of the Orphanage, Winifred Gagher, while handing over the baby whom they called 'Eunice' expressed appreciation to the Governor and his wife for their passion for humanitarian work.
The Children at the Orphanage prayed for Governor Ortom and his wife as they bade farewell to the baby.
Still on Tuesday...
Considering the plight of the workers who were yet to be paid salary arrears from the bailout package, Governor Ortom directed the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs to immediately suspend the electronic system of payment and ensure that workers yet to receive salaries were paid without further delay.
He said the directive became necessary in view of the challenge that had accompanied the e-payment and the need for government to clear all arrears from the bailout funds and address all the challenges that have arisen from the electronic payment as soon as possible.
Governor Ortom noted that with the development, Caretaker Chairmen of Local Government Committees were to be given the remaining part of the bailout funds to use the manual process to pay their verified staff including teachers who are yet to be paid.
The Governor announced the decision of government to collapse into one the two committees set up to verify and address all complaints arising from payment of the funds to fast track the process.
He debunked claims on the social media that he had given time limit within which matters relating to bailout funds should be addressed, stating that government was determined to ensure that all issues in the process were given due consideration.
Governor Ortom lamented increasing cases of truancy at the third tier of government which he said was hampering effective service delivery in the local government system.
Also on Tuesday...
He assured the people of the state that his administration will revoke all illegal sales of government property within the state and in any part of the country.
The Governor gave the assurance when former students of Government College, Katsina-Ala, under the aegis of Katsina-Ala Old Boys Association, KAOBA, paid him a condolence visit over the death of the Tor Tiv the 4th, HRM, Orchivirigh, Dr Alfred Akawe Torkula.
He described as unacceptable, the wanton sale of property belonging to the College and other government structures by the previous administration and promised that thorough investigation will be carried out with a view to revoking the transactions.
Governor Ortom appointed a seven-member committee to look into the sales and report back to the State Executive Council within two weeks.
The committee has Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Dennis Ityavyar as Chairman, that of Housing and Urban Development, John Otokpa, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Barrister Mike Gusa, Special Adviser on Security, Col. Edwin Jando rtd, Special Adviser on Lands and Survey, Prof. Jonathan Uever, while the Head of Service is to provide a secretary.
Governor Ortom also pledged the support of the State Government for the N500 million development fund for Government College Katsina-Ala and commended members KAOBA for providing leadership in various spheres of life worthy of emulation.
Earlier, the National President of KAOBA, Alhaji Rasheed Adamu consoled the Governor, his administration and the people of Benue on the loss of the Tor Tiv.
He commended the development initiatives of the Ortom administration especially in the area of security and human development.
Alhjai Adamu appealed to the Governor to intervene in the land issues affecting Government College Katsina-Ala which.
Former military administrator of Anambra and Benue States, Chief Atom Akpera was also on the KAOBA delegation.
WEDNESDAY
No official activity took place at the Benue People’s House on Wednesday. This was in compliance with the 3-day mourning period the Governor had declared for the late Tor Tiv.
THURSDAY
On this day, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar commiserated with the Governor Ortom over the death of the Tor Tiv the 4th.
In a condolence letter delivered to the Governor at the Benue People’s House by the Sarkin Yakin Bingi, Alhaji Kabir Usman Abdulwahab, the Sultan said the death of the Tiv Paramount Ruler was a huge loss to the Tiv nation, Benue State and Nigeria at large.
‘’We read with sadness, the passing away of our colleague and brother, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, the Tor Tiv and Chariman, Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs which occurred on Sunday 22 November. We join millions of sympathisers to commiserate with you and the entire people of Benue State over this great loss.’’
Alhaji Abubakar described the late Tor Tiv as an ardent custodian of the African culture.
‘’We feel the pain of the loss of our colleague and strong custodian of African values, culture and tradition who lived an eventful life worthy of emulation. His passing away is indeed a great loss, not only to the family, Tivs and Benue people, but to the entire nation. His efforts and contributions to the development of peace and unity of the nation and humanity in general will continuously be remembered by all.’’
The Sultan prayed God to grant the Torkula family, the Tiv nation, the Government and people of Benue State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Still on Thursday...
Governor Samuel Ortom later in the day left for Gboko and joined thousands of worshippers from across the world at a retreat organised by Bro Gbile Akanni where he dedicated the state to God and prayed that he would intervene to change its fortunes for the better.
FRIDAY
The Governor gave a moving testimony of his encounter with the Lord Jesus and his rise from humble beginnings to his present position.
He narrated his experiences in politics and God’s role in using dramatic events including his switch from PDP to APC and eventual triumph in his journey to the Benue People’s House.
The Governor reiterated his covenant with God and the people to govern with the fear of God and entrench core values that would ensure peace and development.
He underscored the importance of complete obedience to God so that His promises in Job 36: 11 and Deuteronomy 28: 1- 14 would be fulfilled in the lives of the people.
Over 30 thousand people from several countries of the world who came for the 2015 Ministers' Leadership Retreat with the theme, "In the day of His Power" listened to the testimony with rapt attention.
Later that day, Governor Ortom travelled from Gboko to Aliade where he received two former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirants in Benue State, and former House of Representatives member on that party's platform into the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hingah Biem, and Comrade Simon Anchaver, former governorship aspirants, as well as Mrs Christy Alaaga, former National Assembly member for Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency, defected from the PDP at a ceremony in Aliade.
Thousands of their supports also dumped their former party, surrendered their membership cards which were burnt even as they were also received into the APC.
Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Senator George Akume, represented by his wife, Mrs Regina Akume, called on the people of the state to rally round the Governor so that he could muster the respect to secure their interests at the Federal level.
APC Deputy State chairman, Dr J T Orkar, stated Governor Ortom needed time to clear the rot he met before settling down and appealed for understanding from the people.
The defectors, Messrs Biem, Anchaver, and Alaaga, said they left the PDP because of the injustice done to them as well as insincerity of its leadership.
They said they joined the APC to team up with Governor Ortom and provide him with the support needed to deliver on his mandate.
The governorship aspirants particularly expressed happiness that one of them won the election, adding that they rallied round to add value to his administration even as they commended the Governor for appointments given to several indigenes of the area.
Other speakers including Arc Asema Achado, Joe Nyam, Chief Akange Audu, and Peter Yogbo stressed the need for the people of the area to support the Ortom administration to succeed.
Governor Ortom assured the people that he was transparent and responsive in running state affairs, saying that he involved labour unions in the disbursement of state funds because he had nothing to hide.
He stated that all the complaints in the payment of the bailout funds were being addressed to enable all beneficiaries get their due and debunked the rumour that the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Titus Zam had resigned, saying he had not been found wanting in the discharge of his duties.
The Governor assured the new APC members that they would be involved in the scheme of things in the state.
Still on Friday...
The Benue State House of Assembly scored the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom and President Muhammadu Buhari high in the fight against corruption and impunity in the state and the country.
Speaker of the House, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, who stated the position of the House in a speech to mark the end of the first legislative session of the eighth Assembly and the commencement of recess by members, commended the Governor for the achievements so far and promised a robust relationship with the state executive arm of government to enhance development.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr James Okefe, who presided over plenary, the Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to deliver on its mandate of ensuring quality legislation and oversight functions to ensure transparency for the good of the state.
SATURDAY
The Governor made a private trip to Gbajimba, Guma local government area.
Meanwhile, his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr Tahav Agerzua responded to a full page advertorial written in defence of former Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam by one Terry Ulan, published on page 44 of The Nation newspaper of Thursday, December 10th, 2015.
Mr Ulan’s advertorial had claimed that Governor Ortom had set up the Elizabeth Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry to witch-hunt Dr Suswam. But Mr Agerzua in the response debunked the claim, stating that ‘‘Although the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was set up by the Benue State Governor, in response to the demand of the people of the state to know how the state was brought to its kneels, Governor Ortom is not involved in its modus operandi and should therefore, not be held responsible for such.’’
On the claim by Dr Suswam that he was not invited by the Judicial Commission, Mr Agerzua wondered that ‘’the former Governor claimed that he was not served the invitation letter but we understand that during the sitting of the Commission on the day he was to appear, a letter from his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN) was read. If indeed he did not receive notice of invitation as claimed why did he write to the Commission giving reasons for his failure to appear before it?’’
According to the the Special Adviser ‘’The allegation that the Commission comprised members and sympathisers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, except it's chairman, who might not give him fair hearing is untenable. If indeed such members existed they are bound by the terms of reference of the Commission and not by the APC constitution or manifesto, besides the fact that they are subject to the Chairman of the inquiry."
One had expected that when the Makurdi High Court delivered judgment that the Benue State Governor had the powers to set up the Commission, the former Governor, as a lawyer, would have submitted himself to its jurisdiction and availed himself the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against him.’’
Mr Agerzua also dismissed the claim by Dr Suswam that he had addressed the 33 issues at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry in his handover notes to Governor Ortom, ‘’When Dr Suswam stated that he sufficiently addressed all the 33 issues raised in the invitation by the Commission, in the handing over notes he presented to Governor Ortom at a ceremony on 26th May 2015, it indicated that he has problems with his memory.
It is on record that he did not perform any handing over ceremony as he was conspicuously absent at the inauguration of his successor.
What he did was to present a heap of papers to his successor in the Governor's office on 28th May, 2015, soon after which he took flight from the state.
But before he did that he read an obviously hurriedly and dubiously prepared address to the press stating that he left behind a debt profile of only N9.3 billion.’’
Agerzua equally dismissed the claim by Dr Suswam that Governor Ortom was responsible for the petition against him at the EFCC and advised the former Governor thus, ‘’It is becoming increasingly puzzling why the former governor who ordinarily should be glad to testify before a commission of inquiry which only seeks to ascertain the true position of things during his time in office has chosen to engage in guerrilla tactics. Dr. Gabriel Suswam has opted for the media as his platform to render his ‘testimony’ instead of taking advantage of the sittings of the Justice Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry to tell Benue people and other Nigerians how resources of the state were managed under his watch. The former Governor has elected to rather cast aspersions on the person and office of the current Governor as if that can provide answers to the questions Benue people have been asking regarding the management of funds by his administration.
Let it be known that no member of the Ortom administration is persecuting Dr Suswam. The former Governor is the one persecuting Governor Ortom on pages of newspapers and other media platforms. We advise Dr. Suswam to avail himself of the channel provided to inquire into his administration rather than the resort to the media.’’
This is where we let the curtains fall on this edition of From the Benue People’s House. Thanks to the Special Adviser, Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua for his wonderful input.
Join us again next week for a fresh package.

posted by Teryila Ibn Apine

Good one

Governor Samuel ORTOM RECIEVES FORMER PDP GOV ASPIRANTS, REPS MEMBER INTO APC

BY Tahav Agerzua

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, today received two former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirants in Benue State, and former House of Representatives member on that party's platform into the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hingah Biem, and Comrade Simon Anchaver, former governorship aspirants, as well as Mrs Christy Alaaga, former National Assembly member for Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency, defected from the PDP at a ceremony in Aliade.

Thousands of their supports also dumped their former party, surrendered their membership cards which were burnt even as they were also received into the APC.
Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Senator George Akume, represented by his wife, Mrs Regina Akume, called on the people of the state to rally round the Governor so that he could muster the respect to secure their interests at the Federal level.

APC Deputy State chairman, Dr J T Orkar, stated Governor Ortom needed time to clear the rot he met before settling down and appealed for understanding from the people.
The defectors, Messrs Biem, Anchaver, and Alaaga, said they left the PDP because of the injustice done to them as well as insincerity of its leadership.
They said they joined the APC to team up with Governor Ortom and provide him with the support needed to deliver on his mandate.
The governorship aspirants particularly expressed happiness that one of them won the election adding that they rallied round to add value to his administration even as they commended the Governor for appointments given to several indigenes of the area.

Other speakers including Arc Asema Achado, Joe Nyam, Chief Akange Audu, and Peter Yogbo stressed the need for the people of the area to support the Ortom administration to succeed.

Governor Ortom assured that he was transparent and responsive in running state affairs adding that he involved labour unions in the disbursement of state funds because he had nothing to hide.
He said all the complaints in the payment of the bailout funds were being addressed assuring that all beneficiaries would get their due while debunking rumours that the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Titus Zam had resigned saying he has not been found wanting in the discharge of his duties.

The Governor assured the new APC members that they would be involved in the scheme of things in the state.

Posted by Teryila Ibn Apine

The challenges of having and sustaining academic excellence and infrastructural development of a state university are quite enormous.

For us, the Benue State University remains our pride as it has graduated men and women who have started contributing to the development of our dear state as citizens and in positions of authority.


As the tenure of Prof Charity Angya is gradually coming to a halt, it is instructive that members of the public who are deeply interested in the educational development of our state show concern as to who takes over the mantle of leadership. This is not a campaign but a sincere concern.

Since the screening of the eminent professors and sons of Benue who have indicated interest to lead this university began it is proper to look at the performance of one professor who has distinguished himself all through the exercise.

Prof. Nicolas Akise Ada has emerged the over all best and has come first in all stages of the screening in the university.

To me it shows acceptability and a total belief in his ability to turn around the fortunes of the university. Simply put, prof. Ada enjoys tremendous goodwill and support of his immediate constituency; the university community.

Prof. Nicholas Ada is a very humble, simple, vivacious and down to earth personality, he is easy going, accommodating and friendly.

Prof. Ada is amongst the pioneer lecturers of the Benue state university. Over time he has contributed greatly to the general running and stability of the university. He has watched the institution soar to this height. He has a deep knowledge of the strength, weaknesses and the panacea to the problems of the university.

Prof Ada is no doubt pregnant with a vision of sustaining and improving on the academic and infrastructure of this institution. He has a clearly mapped out plan for a 21st century BSU.

Prof. Nicholas Ada has serve this institution meritoriously in several capacities namely;



1.Ag. Director, School of General and Remedial Studies, Benue State University, Makurdi June-Sept. 1998

2. Secretary/Member, Vice-Chancellor‟s Committee on the Establishment of Benue State University Community Bank

3.Member, Benue State University Special Convocation Committee 1993

4. Faculty Examinations Officer, Faculty of Education, Benue State University, Makurdi 1995-1996

5. Assistant Dean, Faculty of Education, Benue State University, Makurdi 1997-1999

6.Teaching Practice Co-ordinator, Faculty of Education, Benue State University, Makurdi 1996

7. Member, Board of Governors, Benue State University Technical College, Makurdi 2000-2006

8. Member, Benue State University Staff School Management Board 2001-date

9. Member, Benue State University Strategic Planning Committee 2001-date

10. Chairman, Benue State University Orientation / Matriculation Committee 2001-date

11. Chairman, Inaugural Parents‟ Forum, Benue State University, Makurdi 2001-date

12. Member, Weekend Degree Programme Planning Committee, Benue State University, Makurdi 2002

13. Member (Reactivated Vice-Chancellor‟s Committee on the Establishment of Benue State University Community Bank) 2004-date

14. Dean of Students, Benue State University, Makurdi 2005-date

15. Member, Benue State University Vision Plan 2005 – 2010 2005

16. Member, Committee of Deans and Directors, Benue State University, Makurdi 2005-date

17. Member, Security Committee, Benue State University, Makurdi 2005-date

18. Member, Advisory Committee on Students‟ Discipline, Benue State University, Makurdi 2005-date

19. Member, Ad Hoc Committee on Sources of Revenue, Benue State University, Makurdi 2006

20. Member, Staff Housing and Welfare Committee, Benue State University, Makurdi

21. Member, Board of Governors, BSU Technical College, Makurdi (Reappointed) 2006-date

22. Member, Senate Committee on Ethics, Benue State University, Makurdi 2006-date

23. Member, University Committee on Health Services, Benue State University, Makurdi 2006-2008

24. Member, University Monitoring Team for the Mini Markets 2006-date

25. Chairman, Board of Trustees, Students Welfare Insurance Scheme 2007-date

26. Chairman, Senate Committee on the Checking of Approved Final Year Results for NYSC Mobilization 2007-date

27. Member, Council/Senate Panel to interview the University Bursar 2009

28. Member, Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (University Council/Senate Joint Committee) 2009

29. Chairman, Benue State University Directory Committee 2009

30. Member, Special Admissions and Admissions Irregularities Committee – a Committee of the University Senate (Benue State University, Makurdi) 2009

31. Member, Panel to Interview the University Chief Security Officer, Benue State University, Makurdi. 2009

32. Member/Sub-Chairman, Accommodation and Transport, 6th – 10th Convocation Central Planning Committee 2010

33. Member, Senate Committee to Review Students‟ Handbook 2010

34. Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics 2011

35. Chairman, Management Works Committee 2011

36. Chairman, Committee to Investigate Fire Incident at the Female Main Hostel 2011

37. Chairman, Security Committee 2011

38. Chairman, Management Team to negotiate with John Holt on the cost of installation of 1000KVA generator 2011

39. Chairman, Taskforce on the installation of 1000KVA generator 2011

40. Chairman, Management Committee on School Fees Differentials. 2011

41. Chairman, University Loans Committee 2011

42. Chairman, Advisory Committee on Student‟s Discipline 2011

43. Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics 2011

44. Chairman, Management Works Committee 2011

45. Chairman, Committee to Investigate Fire Incident at the Female Main Hostel 2011

46. Chairman, Security Committee 2011

47. Chairman, Management Team to negotiate with John Holt on the cost of installation of 1000KVA generator. 2011

48. Chairman, Taskforce on the installation of 1000KVA generator 2011

49. Chairman, Management Committee on School Fees Differentials. 2011

50. Chairman, University Loans Committee 2011

51. Chairman, Advisory Committee on Student‟s Discipline 2011

52. Chairman, Committee on University Directory 2011

53. Member, Senate Estimates Committee 2011

54. Member, Academic Planning Committee 2011

55. Member, Research Development and Training Committee 2011

56. Member, Senate Estimates Committee 2011

57. Member, Research Development and Training Committee 2011

58. Deputy vice Chancellor administration Benue state university makurdi.

Prof. Ada's case is that of a capable, able and competent hand. That of an accomplished academic, a superb educationist and an unsurpassable administrator.

The vicechancellorship is about competence and merit. This is where prof. Ada readily comes to mind.

Quite instructive is the fact that Governor Ortom wants the best for this institution. The Governor has said on several occasions that merit, competence and the ability to produce results will be his watch word in making such decisions. Out of the list three professors submitted to the Governor, any one of them is qualified. But when faced with this hard choice to make , the consideration is which of them is most qualified, this is where prof. Nicholas Ada stands out.

Prof. Nicholas Akise Ada is an erudite and foremost professor of Science Education.

He is an academic of global reputation who has attended diverse local and international conferences. he is published in both local and international journals as well.

His curriculum vitae as well as his experience and knowledge is no doubt tall and uncommon.

The Governor will have to rise above pressure to encourage merit and competence. Let the governor show the university community that he respects their painstaking screening which Prof Nicholas Ada has always come top.


Prof. Ada is focused, determined and articulate with a clear vision of the challenges of being the Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University.

From the foregoing, prof Ada having served serveral other vice chancellors and contributed imensely to the growth and stability of the university in the various positions and comittees as aforementioned and considering the out come of the thorough screening, experience, administrative prowess and scholarship.
Leadership has no doubt met preparedness in prof.Nicholas Akise Ada.

May God Guide our governor as he makes the decision


teryila Ibn Apine is a social media activist and a public affairs analyast. he writes from Makurdi
+2348033380869

A NEW APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE: The President Buhari paradigm

By Teryila Ibn Apine

Democracies the world over entails, periodic election of representatives. This confers legitimacy on them to execute the mandate of the people.

For some time in our nation especially in our contemporary democratic history, this legitimacy through the ballot had existed only in the realm of wishes.

What existed was the play of war lords and god fathers who possessed the financial muscle or what was required to make one successful during elections. Then, what mattered was your backbone.
With an allegedly compromised electoral umpire, men and women who viewed public office as avenues to amass wealth and have the prefix ' honorable' added to their names found their way into power.

As such dividends of democracy kept flying into thin air. It became a thing of favor. It appeared as though these representatives were doing the electorates a favor with monies legitimately budgeted to execute projects for the benefit of the masses.

Instruments of Checks and balances were completely compromised as well. The legislative arm became a place where ' good boys' of the governors were sent to protect the interest of the Governors without a vision for their constituencies.

The story has changed for the better. With the victory of President Buhari, a statesman, who has assumed office with a clear vision for leadership, governance has taken a different dimension. Governance has become people oriented.

We have had politicians lead this country, now we have a leader.

Armed with integrity and the legitimacy of the electorates through the ballot, Buhari's handling of issue is different and in the best interest of the Nation.

While on a Trip to the united states, Obama acknowledged his integrity and vision for the country and pledged to collaborate with him in his bid to track down the terrorist group, bokoharam.
Although Nigerians do not need an Obama to tell them about the personality of Buhari, Obama's statements about Buhari shows the level the international community rates Nigeria through the leadership of President Buhari.

Away from the hitherto jamboree of traveling with hundreds of people. The president saves tax payers money by traveling with only government officials relevant to the journey.

The personality of Buhari and his abhorrence for corruption is making monies stolen from the country to begin to develop wings ready to fly back to the nations Treasury.

Under a Buhari administration, a Nigerian is a Nigerian irrespective of, religion, ethnic and party affiliation. In his inaugural address he stated unequivocally that he is for everyone and for nobody. Simply buttressing the fact that he is a Nigerian president not an APC , muslim or a Northern president.
speaking further Buhari maintained that he respects the division in the tiers of government, but he will not fold his hands and watch things go wrong in any part of country.
This shows a deep passion and commitment to see every state and part of the country flourish.

Buhari understands the tortuous journey to this victory. He remembers that Nigerians young and old, stood under the sun and in the rains to vote and defend their votes against a cabal bent on maintaining the statusquo of a decaying Nigeria.

Buhari's ideology of governance is simple, he has insisted on working with passionate Nigerians who have not been or will not be compromised by the corrupt system.

The president insist on leading a Nigeria built on respect for the rule of law. He has stated clearly that no corrupt member of his party will escape justice. Justice is justice any where.

Buhari is evolving a new ideology in governance, premised on transparency, rule of law, accountability, integrity, hard work, honesty. To him there is no need for leadership if it is not about the people. If it is not targeted at attending to the yearning and aspirations of the ordinary people.

With a Buhari as president every Governor or political office is appointee is under compulsion to perform.
I hold strongly that this time it will be difficult to judge the best performing Governor for some reasons. One, the president will not permit, encourage or accept excuses. Two, most of them truly enjoy the mandate of the people. three, the fear of the PVC. Four, the awareness in the masses will keep them on their toes.

Buhari's personality completely intimidates. It spurs people to do and insist on the right thing.

While Nigerians expect Buhari to put smiles on their faces, it is instructive for the people to be patient with the president. The task is enormous and challenging but my confidence in President Buhari's ability to surmount it is sturdy...

It will not happen within the blink of an eye. Clearing the mess in the system to chart a course will demand time,good will patience and understanding from Nigerians.

In my opinion, Buhari's fight against corruption alone will set this country on a road map of greatness. As a product of a near perfect electoral sysytem, Buhari should perfect the electoral process. He should send an amendment to the National assembly calling for the introduction of independent candidature. This will greatly check the over bearing influence of political parties and encourage decent men and women with a passion to serve who might not be able to contend with political party maneuvering to contest independently.

With Buhari, Nigeria will work again.

Remember, the moon moves slowly but before the break of the day it crosses the sky.

ibnapine@gmail.com

THE SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM: Merits and Demerits

By Teryila Ibn Apine

The importance and usefulness of the social media in contemporary society, Nigeria and Benue State in particular can not be over emphasized.

The social media is a sets of web or internet based platforms or applications that enable people to create, exchange and share information, ideas, pictures, videos and content.

Examples of such social media applications include Facebook, twitter, whatsapp, badoo, Nimbuzz, BBM , youtube and blogs to name but few.

Instructive is the fact that social media platforms provide avenues for people to meet and interact other than meeting physically.

The social media is viewed and approached differently by different people, some tap into the advantages of the social media which include;
entertainment, mobilization, education, socialization, Advertisement, public announcement etc.

During the 2015 general elections, the social media became a veritable too for candidates and political parties to sell their candidates to Nigerians. The consciousness and awareness in most Nigerians today can be attributed to the social media.

Again, the mobilization of the Bringbackourgirls campaigners is done mostly on the social media.

The activities of the save Nigeria group and several others got wide readership on the social media.

That the social media has been abused is simply stating the obvious.

In Nigeria and Benue, there are no laws or regulations guiding the use of the social media, as such a lot of aberrations have crept in.

One of such aberrations is the use of pseudonyms or fake names to hurl insults and abuses on others. Most especially during the campaigns for the elections a lot of names cropped of solely for this purpose. Theirs was to abuse all those who held contrary views or supported rival candidates or political parties.

The most disturbing is the influx of pornography . Erotic sexually explicit pictures and videos have become a recurrent decimal on social media. This is disturbing as it is condemnable. It has no place in out religious, ethnic, cultural and social values.

Another is the inability to respect each others point of view. A lot of people hold dear and fanatical to their views and absolutely become hard and unreasonable with contrary views. This leads to the exchange of hot, abusive and insultive language when faced with a contrary view.

Another is making. Sensational and divisive posts catapulted at maligning or painting other in bad light. Such posts are made simply to defame or denigrate the character and reputations of persons or institutions

Disrespect for elders on social media is also another disturbing phenomenon. Respect in our culture is sacrosanct and should be applied in our engagements with older people on the social media.

It has dealt a deadly blow on the reading culture and performance of students in schools. People hardly read any post more than two to three paragraphs.

Dating on social media has brought good and bad to some people.

The social media activism can be channeled toward societal development.

President Buhari, on May 29th 2015, acknowledged the power and usefulness of the social media with deep gratitude. Infact he singled out the social media for commendation.

The governor
of Sokoto state Hon Aminu Tambuwal has created a directorate of social media in government house.

Our own Governor Samuel Ortom also had Mr Nathaniel Ikyur as his social media director in his campaign organisation. Today, he has the ICT unit headed by Tahav Agerzua with a special social media component.

It should not just stop at creating a social media office. It must include harnessing the views and reactions of Benue people no matter how hard they are painted. In every nonsense there is a sense.

This underscores the fact that the social media has become as real and important as the air we breath.

Anyone, governments, organizations and institutions that underestimates the social media does it at her peril.

In my considered opinion,Every society has rules and regulations that govern it, even if they are not clearly written out, members fashion out a code of conduct in their minds which govern them. Within our own world of the social media. We must also have principles guiding us. Which must be based on respect for each others views. We must be conscious not to post things that will insult the religious or moral beliefs of others. Decorum and civility in our interaction and engagements must become our hallmark.

Very importantly the admins of the several groups must be alert to remove all divisive, sensational and pornographic posts from these groups..

BETWEEN PARTY SUPREMACY AND INTERNAL DEMOCRACY: THE APC AND PDP PARADIGM

By Tery'ila Ibn Apine

The wrestling between party supremacy and internal democracy has become a must watch in our political parties.

While proponents of party supremacy insist that members must respect and adhere to the decisions of the party advocates of internal democracy hold that the party rather should create a level playing ground that allow members to decide what they want and how they want to be led by the party.

While party supremacy is a remixed form of imposition, internal democracy is also a remixed form of arrogance, rascality and disobedience.

Any party that will stand the test of time must be able to manage the inter play of the two.

Party supremacy presupposes that a political party neither be frivolous nor perverse in its decision making. Where it does and thereby creates conflict, it must give way to a superior decision on the matter made by the judiciary which is the body legally recognized by the highest law of the land to settle disputes.

It means that if the judiciary rejects a point canvassed by a political party,neither the political party nor any of its members can on grounds of adhering to party supremacy stick to the over ruled issue.

On several occasions, over zealous party members have argued that party matters are internal issues of the party which should not be brought before a court thereby unilaterally ousting the jurisdiction of a court on such matters. Little do they know that even when a rule seeks to oust the jurisdiction of a court, the same is still empowered to examine the validity or merit of such purported oust clause.

I had written in an earlier write up sounding a word of caution to the APC. There I suggested that a comprehensive analysis of the pit falls of the PDP be carried out to avoid same by the ruling APC .

One of the greatest undoing of the PDP which represents Egypt to us was lack of internal democracy. Today, we are in the promised land of the APC as such we expect not to be reminded of our sufferings in Egypt.

I had also warned that if the current imbroglio over the Senate and House of Representative is handled the PDP way, when aggrived members were asked to go to hell, the APC might find it difficult to win some of the principal offices. Already some members have jetted to the courts asking it to disqualify the preferred candidate who emerged through the MOCK elections.

The resort to suspensions and later expulsions in my opinion is hasty and counter productive.

PDP lost IMO state because while Sen Ifeannyi Ararume won the primaries he was later replaced, he went to court and got justice, but supporters of the PDP worked against him in the general election all in the name of party supremacy.

We are well to familiar with the case of Ngunan Adingi and Hon Sekav Iortyom. While seeking redress in the courts, the party suspended and later expelled them. They later got justice to represent their constituencies.

The use of intimidation, arm twisting, suspension and expulsion by political parties to elicit loyalty in the name of party supremacy is undemocratic.

Let me repeat my assertion in an earlier write up. While the PDP held sway as the largest party in Africa, it encouraged impunity, it lack internal democracy, it felt it could survive without some members. This degenerated into the PDP feeling it could do without the masses thereby undermining and underestimated the will of the people.

Today where is the PDP?

For the APC to survive, keep its members and win the support of Nigerians, there must be internal democracy within the party before dishing the democracy to Nigerians.

Remember, you cannot give what you don't have..
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THIS CHANGE: BEYOND THE SLOGAN

With the swearing in of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Samuel Ortom, of Benue State the ball of change has been set rolling.

President Buhari has never been a member of the PDP as such Nigerians have no fears of wondering if he was infected with the PDP virus of non performance, impunity and the penchant for mediocrity. Under a PDP government competence was glaringly sacrificed on the alter of mediocrity.

Governor Samuel Ortom, was former active member of the PDP. The has to prove to the people of Benue that he has been disinfected with the virus of non performance.

The change has to move beyond the slogan to the every day running of government by the governor and his associates.

The first is the issue of the joint account. Hitherto the Bureau of Local Government was the hub of corrupt activities, where monies meant for the development of the LGA was siphoned. As a matter of fact bureau and SUBEB are considered as governments siphoning places. At the end of the day, workers at the third tier were paid half salaries or owed for a plethora of months.
Governor Ortom has to quickly disband the cabal at the Bureau and insist that monies meant for LGA is used for the development of the areas.

Sooner or later Governor Ortom will constitute the caretaker committees and later the Local Government elections This will truly send a loud message as to the reality of the change. Since 1999 the Local Governments have fared badly. Ortom must move away from the normal practice of sitting in Government house and directing radio Benue to announce names. Ortom is a product of a relatively clean electoral process and must do same to the local government elections. The legitimacy Ortom enjoys as some who was duly elected must transcend to the LG elections. He must allow the local people choose their representatives. Imposition of candidates must be rooted out.

The opposition should be allowed a free hand to operate. Attempts to muzzle the opposition will put a big question mark on the adherence to democratic ethos as preached by the APC. It means the opposition will have assess to the state radio station and other government places Before now, members of the opposition were prevented from even making announcements on Radio Benue. This denied the station and state of revenue. The temptation to deny a particular local government dividends of democracy because an opposition leader hails from there should also give way. Again, the destruction of houses and businesses of percieved political opponents must not be found in this government.

Again the Governor has to display a departure from the past with the caliber of people appointed into positions of authority. Political patronage which must times breeds mediocrity must be replaced with competence merit and the ability to deliver.

In the award of contracts, Governor Ortom must insist that the best man or company gets the job. Ortom must avoid awarding contracts to cronies and political benefactors who simply collect such monies or mobilization and walk away. Such people are usually so powerful and close to the chief executive that even when they abscond with such monies the Governor has very little or nothing to say or do.

Governor Ortom must lead a transparent Government. The resort to blatant lies and propaganda by successive governments to paint a picture of a performing government when absolutely nothing was happening will be counter productive.

Successive governments used the state owned radio station to lie to the people, a situation which made many people to avoid listening to Radio Benue.

Under an Ortom Government people should scramble to listen to radio Benue; to listen to the happenings and running of Government.

The electorates are keenly watching this Government that has promised CHANGE.... The change must go beyond the slogan..

By Teryila Ibn Apine
2348033380869

We must forgive GEJ, here is a man who never had intentions or dreamt he will ever be president. He went in as president without any idea of what to do for the country.

He is weak as he seem clueless. Instead of surrounding himself with brilliant people ,he chose men who did little to assist him fashion out a vision for the country.

Sen George Akume is simply the Best for senate presidency. Else where as minority leader he would have become senate president automatically.

Let's give Akume a chance

TOWARDS A VIABLE OPPOSITION: THE PDP AS AN OPPOSITION PARTY.
By Teryila Ibn Apine

It was the late senate president Chuba Okadigbo who said '' opposition is fundamental and cardinal dimension of a democratic process, the general chorus of hallelujah to every thing done in the name of loyalty is antithetic to democracy, constructive criticism is a cornerstone for development rather than an instrument of destruction'

Over the years, whether the APC has been a poor opposition party will be determined by the viability of the opposition put forth by the PDP and other political parties.

For PDP, the greatest challenge will be to wake up to the reality that they have suddenly become the opposing party in a country they have governed for 16 years.

Before now, winning the PDP primaries was sequel to winning the general election.

One expects more of the Olisah Metuh and Lai mohammed media engagements.
How constructive this engagements or media war will be is what Nigerians will be looking out.

One of the greatest undoing of our political parties is their inability to manage success. Success makes our political parties and politicians pompous and demi gods. As such they neglect the wishes and aspirations of the electorates.

APC needs to be very careful with the Nigerian Masses. Sovereignty has returned to the ordinary man and woman on the street. These electorates are angry with the 16 years of near abandonment.

But come to think of it, what moral right has the PDP to question another political party in government?

What will the PDP tell the new government?

Why will they criticize another party when for all these years the masses have been emasculated and impoverished by Government with negligible dividends of democracy.

Does the APC need to be told that the PDP failed because they grossly undermined the electorates?

That the PDP mystified the dividends of Democracy and made country men near beggar; insecurity, alarming unemployment and non payment of salaries etc.

The APC must learn thses lessons from the fall of the party that hitherto claimed to be the largest political party in Africa.

The PDP alone lack the moral standing to criticize the APC. For the PDP to survive and become the viable opposition party its members are enthusiastic to be, the party must merge with people oriented parties, it must re brand. It must perfect a masses ideology and a will to implement policies that will benefit the common man and woman on the street.

Before now, opposition parties vanish after elections. What we then had was opposition leaders. At every elections the tides favored a certain candidate and the party such candidate align with becomes the major opposition party. The victory of the President elect Gen. Buhari has elements of this as well.

But our politics must grow beyond this level. Our parties must move from individualistic approach to an ideological approach. What I mean is. A situation where the individual who wins the election on a party's platform determines the policy thrust of the party should be discouraged. The party should develop a manifesto which any one who wins election on its platform should implement.

If this is done, the parties will become more viable to offer proper opposition or serve the people.

The present fight for the soul of the PDP which has led to the resignation of the national chairman Adamu Muazu and the BOT Chairman Chief Tony Anenih can be liken to this personality approach to matters of political parties.

On the whole, the APC needs a vibrant opposition. Opposition does not entails insulting the leaders on electronic, print or social media.
It is not about painting even the good policies of a government in bad light just to discredit the leaders.
It is not about blatant lies and unnecessary propaganda.

Else where opposition parties form a shadow government. They research on issues confronting the nation/ state and proffer solutions. This serves as a challenge to the incumbent.

What I foresee is that the electorates and not necessarily the political parties will constitute the most vibrant and viable opposition this time....

AKUME, APC AND THE IMPERATIVE OF HISTORY

By Terhemba Shija.

It is unclear why his party is dilly-dallying. With barely three weeks to the proclamation and inauguration of the 8th National Assembly, the newly-emerged majority ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), appears to be either unable or unwilling to categorically zone its principal offices in the National Assembly. However, for Senator George Akume, it would appear, history is beckoning on him to take charge as President of the 8th Senate. The amiable Senator is currently the Minority Leader of the 7thSenate, and has been in that position for four years. It is quite obvious that he must have been doing excellently in that office as the APC has become a majority party under his stewardship.

Legislative practices all over the world operate a tradition that respects seniority and length of service. Whether written or not, ranking senators and representatives and especially leaders of political parties in the legislature are always given the right of first refusal in the race for principal offices and headship of standing committees. The powers of leaders (majority or minority) of political parties in parliament do not cease merely because another election has been held, let alone the right of a victorious minority leader whose party has also taken over as the ruling party in the house.

The United States and the United Kingdom with long-established traditions of liberal democracy have shining examples where leaders of political parties in parliament are given the right of first refusal anytime elections were held and political parties swapped positions in the parliament. In 1994, for instance, Rep Newt Gingrich as Minority Leader of the US Congress spontaneously moved up to take the speakership position when the Republicans defeated Bill Clinton’s Democratic Party in his mid-term congressional elections. Nancy Pelosi on her part kept oscillating from minority leadership to Speakership and then Minority leadership from 1993 to date. Similar examples abound in the British parliament where victorious Minority Leaders automatically become Prime Ministers while those demoted from the Prime Ministerial positions as a result of their Parties’ poor showing at the polls still lead in the capacity of Minority Leader.

So where is the complication? Why is it so difficult for the APC to announce to the nation their obvious heir-apparent for the senate presidency in readiness for the handover? Why do we hear that the senate presidency is up for grabs through a process of survival of the fittest, when in fact, it appears very obvious that with the election of the president and his vice from two geo-political zones, the rest of the principal legislative positions can be settled through consensus? Why is it so difficult to zone the position of Senate President, being the number three, even as the President and the Vice-Presidential positions are zoned?

The sensitivity of the Senate President as chairman of the Legislature as well as a possible acting president of Nigeria in case of any eventuality confers on it a sacred respect that must be acknowledged with awe by all citizens as they do to the President and his vice. It is, however, the prerogative of the in-coming ruling party to demonstrate leadership by proving that they really understood the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of our country as well as the sensitivities involved in sharing public offices as dictated by the Federal Character clause in the 1999 Constitution.

Be that as it may, Akume appears to be on the right side of history in this quest for the Senate Presidency. He hails from the North Central where, he, along with his colleagues, worked assiduously and dislodged the PDP that had taken roots in all the six states of the region for sixteen years. Akume particularly showed his political strength for the umpteenth time in Benue state where he deftly challenged the PDP machinery in the governorship and presidential elections. The North-Central region won all the five governorship slots in the region, won 14 out of 18 senate seats and pulled a surprising second position in the presidential election of Muhammadu Buhari, thus coming next to the North-West in percentage rating.

It would certainly be unfair for anyone to undermine the dogged determination of this cluster of Northern minority ethnic groups who massively voted for the APC to ensure Buhari’s victory and reinforce the much-needed unity of a nation. Thanks to Akume and his indomitable colleagues like Senators Bukola Saraki, Abdullahi Adamu and Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh, Gov. Tanko Al-Makura and others. With the President-elect and his Vice-President elect coming from the majority ethnic groups, it only looks natural that Senator Akume best suits the bill to create the necessary power balance and through him assuage the aspirations of the minority ethnic groups in the North.

When the 8th Senate convenes on June 8, 2015, Akume would be the longest serving APC senator in the North-Central geo-political zone. He also would have put in sixteen years of unbroken and unblemished service to his people in the high echelon of public service, having also been governor of Benue state for eight years from 1999 to 2007. During his four years at service as minority leader of the Senate, he demonstrated strength of character, courage and maturity in all his official duties. He was neither controversial nor sycophantic. His humble, humane, friendly and generous disposition endeared him to virtually every senator. He is a detribalized Nigerian, a committed patriot and a firm believer in the rule of law and indivisibility of our country.

Perhaps what most Nigerians might not know is that Akume is, in fact, a nephew of the foremost nationalist and minorities’ rights activist, the late Senator J.S. Tarka. With his proud blood ties with the legendary Tarka, Akume has all through his political career also made sacrifices and exhibited statesmanship in all that he does to his compatriots irrespective of their states of origin. His uncle, Tarka, had in 1964 nominated one Mallam Ibrahim Imam, a Moslem candidate from Borno State and fielded him as a candidate for the Northern regional parliament in a predominantly Christian constituency in Benue and came out victorious. But more significantly, Tarka as a legislator in the Second Republic is fondly remembered for his display of personal sacrifice and loyalty to his friends and country. At the inauguration of the 1979 National Assembly, he stepped down for the late Senator Olusola Saraki in the race for Senate Majority Leadership, when the position was zoned to the Middle Belt of Nigeria. His reason was to pave way for the emergence of a Yoruba principal officer in the Senate in the Shagari administration which had left out the Yorubas and aligned with the Igbos in the famous NPN/NPP Accord. Through his personal sacrifice, Tarka may have lost the position of Senate Leader to his friend, but Nigeria gained as Saraki’s victory then further strengthened the unity of Nigeria.

Thirty-six years on, and Tarka’s nephew is at the threshold getting ready to tread the same paths his uncle trod: the road to leadership that was strewn with thorns and hardships. Will Akume now be made to reap the seeds of sacrifice Tarka had sown? It will be interesting to watch how Nigerians would treat Akume, even as he himself has already worked his way to the top.

From comments in newspapers and the social media, though, one major factor which appears to concern some commentators about the candidature of Akume as Senate President is that he hails from Benue State where David Mark also comes from. That is certainly a valid point but may not be sacrosanct when other factors are aggregated in search for national leadership. For that reason, coincidences such as this occur, but Nigerians readily overlook. For instance, the last time the Presidency of Nigeria came to the North, it was won by the late President Yar’Adua from Katsina State. President-elect Muhammadu Buhari also happens to be from Katsina State but I am not sure many Nigerians are prepared to interrogate that co-incidence. Another of such coincidences took place in Enugu State where the last Senate President, Ken Nnamani hails from. This is the same state that has produced Ike Ekweremadu to take over the seat of Deputy Senate President that was meant for the five South Eastern States since Nnamani left eight years ago.

It is obvious from this brief account that most of the indices that should govern the emergence of the next president of the senate resonate around Akume, the current Senate Minority Leader. The North-Central geo-political zone where he hails from has also performed well to ensure the APC victory in the last general elections and should be eligible for compensation with a high office that it truly deserves. The APC should respond to the natural turn of events as occasioned by the just-concluded elections in which only senators from four of the six geo-political zones have constituted the majority side of the senate. The APC should lead Nigerians to respect legislative tradition and honour their erstwhile Senate minority leader, Akume, who, it is obvious, has paid his dues to both his party, his colleagues and country and deserves to take the exalted seat of president of the senate in the 8th senate.

Dr. Shija is of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi

I did not see the name of any Benue man on this Committee. Particularly the Tiv people

VICIOUS ATTACK ON HON TERHEMEN TARZOOR DURING GRAND RECEPTION IN GUMA LGA

The PDP gubernatorial candidate Rt Hon Terhemen Tarzoor today attended a church service at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Makurdi after which he proceeded to another service at St. Michael's Parish, Agasha Guma LGA organized by Nongov Rescue Group. After the church service, he took time out to speak to the youths and people of the community. The crowd cheered as he spoke with confidence and an in depth knowledge of the Benue terrain.

It was while the crowd was enjoying the well versed Monetary Economist relay his position on issues affecting Benue and how well to tackle it that suspected APC yoots attacked and disrupted the assembly. They shot at the crowd and in the air to disperse supporters, others flung stones to the stage where Nongov sons were with the aspirant and his team, they maimed, assaulted innocent indigenes and injured several people.

The thugs were brutal, carrying guns, machetes, daggers and other lethal weapons, which they used on anyone they came close to without regard for their innocence. Women with babies on their backs runnung and screamjng for help didnt deter the attackers and a pregnant woman was stabbed during the turmoil. She was among the first to be rushed to the hospital along with others who sustained critical injuries.

The attack was vile representing exactly what the PDP candidate has always preached against and was doing at the very moment. Despite being shot at, stoned and attacked for no reason. Hon Tarzoor maintained his resolve to rid Benue politics of callousness and violence; he left his supporters with a strong word not to retaliate but to win more people over with peaceful conduct and work harder to ensure victory at the polls come April 11th.

Meanwhile this is the second of such attacks, Hon Terhemen Tarzoor has experienced in Guma LGA of Benue State, the hometown of supposed APC gubernatorial candidate Dr Samuel Ortom.

The attacks have all failed to dampen Hon Tarzoor's spirit nor has it shaken his commitment to organize campaigns in a manner that is peaceful and respectful to the good people of Benue.

As at the time of this report, only one of the hoodlums had been arrested by a civil defense officer pictured with a machete in hand.

It has become fashionable to shout Change in Nigerian political space.
Politicians from diferent political parties seem to be talking the change Talk. What manner of change
Is it a Change of the nomenclature PDP, APC ,APGA, LP or the character or ideological change of the candidates?
Every political party and every candidate seem to be chanting change.
I hold that if the general chorus of change is not premised on total change of the world view of the candidates and parties with a view of meeting the yearnings of the masses, then the chant of Change, is sycophantic, primitive and misplaced, it is a fallacy and a fruit of intellectual indolence.
More often than not candidates who have worked and served a political party easily switch parties and begin to shout CHANGE!!!!! , what manner of Change? At what point did they realise that the parties they had served all along lacked democratic ethos?
One respects individuals constitutional rights of association. What beats my imagination is fact that it is only when one feels his personal ambition to contest or get appointment is violated that he begins to chant the change slogan with two fingers in the air.
Across the country and across party lines, people crossing to the other party demonise the former and preach magnificent sermons of the new parties. ONE EASILY BECOMES A SAINT BY DECAMPING FROM A RULING PARTY TO AN OPPOSITION PARTY.
In Benue today we are faced with a similar situatio. I hear people say I won't vote for PDP yet show support to PDP candidates who just decamp to the opposition. It therefore seem to me that the issue is about the name PDP or APC. Is there an injection of democratic principles that take place in the opposition?? Too many questions without answers.
In my considered opinion looking at the manner the candidates emerged, the PDP remained a pacesetter of democratic choices in the State. It is instructive to note that all the other Governorship candidates of the party have accepted defeat and have since joined the campaign train of the Governorship candidate.

Internal democracy is cardinal for a party aspiring to take over from another. Critical minded people have questioned the oppositions lip service to internal democracy with the manner their candidates emerged. There has been one drama or the other as the opposition candidates emerged. Do we need the NWC of a party to settle for a candidate for Benue people? The answer is a Big NO! , do we need the courts to determine our candidates? Still a NO! How genuine will the former PDP members who worked supported and served the federal administration now CHANGE to ask people to vote for another candidate? If today one agrees that there Is a clarion call to change the federal government that is not performing and these people served under the same administration, will they not be infected with the virus of non performance as well?
Hon Terhemen Tarzoor has an advantage over the other candidates, he is young, vibrant and a good learner, well educated. As speaker of any state house of assembly one practically governs that state.Even as speaker He did exceptionally. He is simply a prefered choice. I join to chant CHANGE with two fingers in the air too, but mine is a generational Change that will usher in Hon Terhemen Tarzoor as Governor come may 2015.
By Teryila Ibn Apine
08033380869

Hmmmmmmmnnnn

Buhari , I think is an examplary Nigerian

Hon Tarzoor is the candidate of the people. That occassion witnessed total acceptance