₦airaland Forum

By Esther Daniels


The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, introduced a Bill for an Act to establish National HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria.

The Bill, which is being sponsored by Rep. Ibrahim Makama Misau (Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State), passed first reading on the floor of the green chamber on Wednesday.

This is coming exactly one month after President Muhammad Buhari launched HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN) in Abuja.

President Buhari, while launching the N62bn trust fund last month, said it would help Nigeria end AIDS as a public health threat and place more people living with HIV on treatment annually.

The President pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize health interventions to address killer diseases and public health emergencies.

The Bill will help in providing a legislative support and utilization of HIV trust Fund as unveiled by the President.

As Nigeria targets elimination of mother-to-child transmission by 2030, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the Bill became necessary, so as to put the country at pal with other nations, in tackling the spread of the virus and as well managing the victims.

The Bill would also support existing agencies and policies of the Buhari administration, towards prioritizing health interventions to address killer diseases and public health issues, among other things.

By Yemi Itodo

Nigeria's foremost indigenous agricultural technology promoter, Agrichainx Innovative Technology, has charged Nigerian youth to emulate former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom it described as father of modern agriculture in Nigeria.

In a message of congratulations to Chief Obasanjo, to celebrate his 85th birthday on Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Head of Partnership and External Relationship of Agrichainx, Amb (Dr.) Godfrey Otoaye and Hon. (Amb). Peace Patrick, respectively, said the country would be peaceful and conducive to live in, if all leaders encouraged their people to farm, like Obasanjo does.

"If only our leaders sensitise the youth and also engage in active farming like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I'm sure the country would have been peaceful and conducive. All these issues of insecurity and criminality would be brought to its bearest minimum.

"Since he left power in 2007, he has been actively involved in farming. Go to his farm in Otta, it is the largest. The production of agricultural goods there is carried out on more than 30 thousand hectares of land. More than 5,500 workers are employed on the farms to work daily.

"Also in Oluyole, Ibadan, Baba has the biggest farm that produces the largest poultry that services over 7 states. His farm in Benue State alone is seated over 2000 hectares of land and boasts of over 100 workers, before it was burnt recently.

"Who would have such huge investments in agriculture and would not command the workforce. Agriculture is the new thing now that oil is drying. The earlier our leaders and youth go back to 100% farming, the better for Nigeria", the statement said.

It stressed that, Agrichainx has provided a huge opportunity for the youth, as an online marketplace, connecting trade networks from farmers to buyers, adding that, it creates direct business tie-ups between farmers, transporters, cold storage providers, retailers, and consumers.

The statement added that, a micro-finance scheme has also been created for smallholder’s farmers, that makes grassroots financing such as lending, crowdfarming and savings possible, while enhancing financial support for farmers.

The agriculture experts also said their organization boasts of a large scale farmland in Nasarawa State, assuring Nigerians of stable farm capital, when Agrichainx launches its cooperative in Abuja next week.

To boast the financial fortunes of the participating youth and farmers, they said the technology has also introduced Agricoin, which is agrichainx’s institutionalized blockchain-based tokens, saying, Agricoin (AGX) is the currency for ecosystem used in carrying out transactions within the platform.

The Agrichainx community, while wishing the octogenarian well in his new age, also prayed God to continue to keep and preserve him, to be able to guide "our crop of leaders and the incoming generation".

By Yemi Itodo


Media mogul and Presidential aspirant for 2023, Dumebi Kachikwu, on Sunday, called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to urgently evacuate Nigerians, including over 5,600 students, now trapped in Ukraine as a result of the invasion of the country by Russia.

Kachikwu, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, said the Federal Government must redouble its ongoing efforts and act fast to ensure that Nigerian citizens in Ukraine don’t suffer avoidable harm and casualties.

He insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to allow its citizens, especially students, to be part of the collateral damage now engulfing Ukraine as the United Nations failed to stop Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

He said: “There are over 5,600 Nigerian students in Ukraine especially in the medical sciences.

“I call on President Buhari to give the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a deadline to fully evacuate all Nigerians in Ukraine, especially students.

He insisted the Minister and NIDCOM boss must not dilly-dally in a face of danger to citizens but must work with the Governments of Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide safe passage for Nigerian students, and other Nigerians resident in the country, so they can return home safely and be reunited with their families.”

Kachikwu who is the Chairman of Roots Television Nigeria, however condemned what he called “international hooliganism and gangsterism” on the part of Russia.

He insisted that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia was unnecessary especially in a time of global pandemic.

“Is history about to repeat itself as World War 1 was a catalyst in the spread of the Spanish Flu that took millions of lives around the world?

“This is an outrage. This is an unprovoked and unnecessary war in a time of global pandemic.

“President Vladimir Putin has always fancied himself as a war general seeking to make a name for himself as the Czar who redeemed Russia’s image on the world stage.

“Who next after Ukraine? I call on all nations to rise up against this evil.

“I call on both sides in the conflict to exercise restraint and consider the human toll of a war at a time like this especially when the world is grappling with a pandemic.

“I call on Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to immediately condemn this unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“When good men keep quiet in the face of evil, it thrives. China waits in the wings watching the reaction of the world as she prepares to attack Taiwan. Enough of international hooliganism and gangsterism,” Kachikwu said.

By Esther Daniels


Three kinsmen of Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, have been killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The three, which included two males and a female were killed Saturday at about 5pm when the gunmen laid ambush and blocked the Iordye- Gbajimba road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.

The victims were riding on a motorcycle when they were ambushed and shot dead by the killer herdsmen who have taken over parts of the local government, bordering Nasarawa State.

Security agencies who recovered the bodies said those who were shot died on the spot from gunshot wounds while the other was brutally machete to death.

Soldiers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke recovered the bodies and deposited the corpses at Gbajimba general hospital.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ortom, Mr. Nat Ikyur, Saturday night, said, "this has been the plight of Benue indigenes in the hands of Fulani herdsmen who have invaded the state in a bid to take over our ancestral lands".

By Our Reporter

Frontline contender for Governorship of Benue State in 2023, Dr. Boniface Verr Jirbo, has been described as most intellectually mobile and qualified to occupy the Government House in Markudi.

A renowned Aviator, consummate Investor and Philanthropist, Veteran Stephen Anongu, Fss, stated this on Thursday, in a press statement he personally signed, to felicitate with Dr. Jirbo, on his successful defense of a Doctor of Philosophy with specialisation in Development and International Economics, from the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Dr. Jirbo, a native of Vandeikya Local Government, is a leading aspirant for the Benue's number one job in 2023, under the platform of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP).

The seasoned Aviator noted with satisfaction and delight, Dr. Jirbo's unrelenting academic sojourn in distinction which has been crowned with a prestigious Doctorate Degree in a specialised field that blends with his career of management.

"Dr. Jirbo's current profile in capacity building and preparation makes him more relevant in the pursuit of his ambition, coupled with sterling qualities of moral discipline, humility, dynamism, purpose driven character, nobility and God-fearing, that are required for the highest trust and responsibility embedded in the office of the Governor", he said.

Veteran Anongu, who is also the Chairman, Jirbo Vanguard and Solidarity Groups, further appealed to Benue electorate to consider Dr. Jirbo's candidature in the forthcoming elections, while praying to God for protection towards realising the noble dream in 2023.

He urged Benue people, especially those who shall be participating at the PDP's State Primaries, to invest their votes with Dr. Jirbo, whom he described as "the man God ordained to take Benue people to the promised land".

As the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) prepares for its national convention, claims and counter claims on zoning of key positions of the party have continued to generate issues.

This is, even as, many heavyweights and pressure groups within the party have also relentlessly proposed one system or the other, intended to scheme other groups or bloc, with some working to sabotage the convention entirely.

For the ruling party and the convention planning committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, it is one day, three dramas - one for morning, one for afternoon and another in the evening, as days draw close to the convention.

The convention has been fixed for Saturday 26th February, 2022 with six top contenders, all from the north, gunning for the number one seat of the party.

Those frontliners are former Governors, serving Senators, serving Minister and others.

For umpteenth times, rumours have gathered that the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) had zoned certain positions and for umpteenth times, Governor Buni had countered it, saying, the committee had not concluded on any zone to produce any position.

A front page story of a leading national newspaper of Thursday, February 17, 2022, with the headline, 'Finally, APC Governors Reach Consensus, Zone Chairmanship To North Central'; stated that the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) met in Abuja on Wednesday and agreed to zone the number one seat to North Central, while zoning the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) and National Secretary Positions to the South.

Though the paper never mentioned in particular, names of those in attendance that could have taken such vital decision on behalf of the party, it only said a source close to the Governors who did not want his name mentioned.

According to the "source", the Governors also micro-zone the chairmanship to Benue State and tipped Buhari's Minister on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

But a simple fact check by this newspaper on Thursday morning, suggested that the Progressive Governors did not conclude on zoning the positions.

"Yes, they (Governors) met but they could not resolve on the zoning. Although many who spoke were in support of zoning the chairmanship position to North Centre, but it was not concluded yet.

"It is after they have convinced the southern Governors and they have accepted it that we can say the PGF has zoned the position. If anyone tells you anything otherwise, let him mention the names of the Governors in that meeting and also mention whoever addressed the press. In such meetings, the Chairman of the PGF would address the press and open up on the decision of his forum. But for now, nothing like that", a close source at the PGF hinted.

Also, a source at the CECPC who prefers to be anonymous, said, though the PGF has the right to suggest to the planning committee or proffer advice, just like any other group or organ in the party; but the Governors had not written to the Committee on anything zoning.

"I understand their Tuesday's meeting on zoning ended in deadlock, so don't let anyone deceive you. Come to think of it, why would they zone a position to North Central and sat there immediately and picked only one aspirant, is Akume the only aspirant from North Central? Why would they ask those from the South to go home and meet with aspirants and bring candidates for DNC and Secretary, but in the case of chairmanship, they said they have picked a particular person.

"I don't believe such cock and bull story and I think nobody would even believe it. We have channels of communication in our party. APC is a ruling party that has everything, the Progressive Governors that I know, are very experienced and principled. They would not want to send such a sensitive message to the CECPC via a page of newspaper.

"They have the right, like any other organs of the party, to advise the planning committee, but nothing like that has happened. We are working diligently to see that the convention holds and with a credible outing too", the source added.

Edwin Ochogwu, a House of Assembly aspirant from Benue State, on his part, told this newspaper that, "the PGF is divided into 3 to 4 camps and the news could be the latest mischief by one of the groups to deceive other members of the PGF and the general public".

Already, the proposed national convention has been a subject of controversy for the past few weeks, with some calling for its postponement, amidst crises at state chapters and Court suits.

As at now, several persons are in court, either at the state levels and national, trying to stop the convention.

By Yemi Itodo


A group of clergymen under the auspices of Coalition of Middle Belt Clergy have distanced themselves from what they describe as divisive comments from some clerics.

The coalition in a statement by its convener, Bishop Prince Madaki on Tuesday in Abuja, said it was not part of alleged recent divisive comment credited to National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN) Bishop Francis Wale Oke.

"The Coalition of Middle Belt Clergy unequivocally condemns the statement credited to Bishop Francis Wale Oke as highly unfortunate and unacceptable.

"The bishop spoke for himself and not for or on behalf of the Children of God.

"He did not speak in his capacity as the National President of PFN as that would amount to dragging a theological institution into politics, which would amount to surreptitiously imposing theocracy on the country.

He should not use the name of the Pentecostal fellowship for self gains and purposes or he should resign his spiritual commission to pursue politics full time."

He further said "the Coalition Middle Belt Clergy is of the view that the 2023 presidency will be decided by Nigerians as guided by God. If the electorates decide on someone from the Middle- Belt which is also known as the North Central geo-political zone that person’s faith will be immaterial to the extent that he can lead God’s people to the promised land.

'It is therefore wise to use this statement to call on Nigerians especially Christians from the Middle - Belt not to be misled by Bishop Francis Wale Oke and those pushing him into this ungodly adventure.

"Our disappointment stems from the divisive tone of Bishop Oke’s statement, which came at a time that the country needs additional healing from the artificial divisions that the rich and the powerful have sown among citizens.

"In the run-up to the 2015 General Elections, certain influential clerics in this country played the ethno-sectarian card to the extent that Nigerians went for each other’s jugular on the bases of ethnicity and religion.

Those who ran this destructive campaign against Nigeria at that time were desperate to the extent that they hired data analysis firm, Cambridge Analytica, to run a disinformation campaign to the effect that a particular presidential candidate was out to Islamize Nigeria.

The convener further said "our thoughts were that the PFN President would have by now disown the statement outrightly or the very least come out to say that he was misquoted. But there has been nothing of such.

The Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN), a youth-based civil society group, has called on members of the National Assembly, to as a matter of urgent public importance, investigate alleged cases of financial misappropriation against the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele, the group alleged, had used the many CBN's intervention funds for Nigerians in the post COVID-19 era and other resources of the apex bank, to service his political associates and for his 2023 presidential ambition.

The PFN, in a statement signed by the Convener, Comrade Tope Badmus and made available to newsmen Monday morning, alleged that Emefiele was consulting to contest the Nigeria's President under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group also advised the CBN Governor to "immediately resign" his appointment, so as to protect the image, integrity and sanctity of the apex bank, which should be known for political neutrality and professionalism.

"The Patriotic Front of Nigeria (PFN) has watched with growing concern, the ongoing activities to actualize the presidential ambition of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in view of the inherent abuse that has seen him divert CBN’s resources in pursuit of his personal agenda.

"In recent weeks, Emefiele has personalized the apex bank’s resources for organizing political rallies and for questionable donations to political activities that have no bearing on the CBN’s role as a regulator of the financial sector.

"It is most unfortunate that the CBN Governor is now doling out CBN’s funds to political jobbers that are organizing campaigns or other events for him. The practice increased because Mr. Emefiele continues to oblige such requests. While this trend was initially perplexing, it is now clear that Mr. Emefiele’s unethical handling of CBN’s resources is directly linked to his political agenda.

"In addition to this unethical behaviour, all the intervention programmes of the CBN under Mr. Emefiele are conduits for funneling public recourses to politicians, especially in the north, who he is banking on for support. These Emefiele’s political associates in turn use the funds given in guise of loans to service their political careers by allocating such interventions to their political underlings.

"Laudable programmes that were intended to provide succor to Nigerians and strengthen the economy were hijacked for political patronage by the CBN Governor, who should have been ensuring neutrality in the administration of these programmes.

"In view of the foregoing and the worsening performance of the naira under his watch, PFN hereby calls on Mr. Godwin Emefiele to toe the path of honour by immediately resigning as the Governor of CBN to pursue his political ambition. He cannot continue to imperil the economy with his politicization of an organization that is programmed to run on neutrality and professionalism.

"Also, we demand that the Senate and the House of Representatives investigate Mr. Emefiele’s tenure as CBN Governor to establish the extent to which the institution was converted into the finance department of his presidential campaign organization. The National Assembly must do the needful to succeed in this investigation", the group said.

According to the group, "the real tragedy is that Nigeria’s economy has taken hits after hits while Mr. Emefiele focuses on his political sojourn, which he reportedly plans to actualize on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP). He has practically abandoned the actual running of the CBN to his pals in the Bankers Committee, which has effectively left economic decisions in the hand of commercial banks that the CBN is meant to regulate".

The PFN specifically asserted that, "the call from the Green Alliance for Mr. Emefiele to contest for President in 2023 elections is the final proof that his continued stay in his current position no longer serves the CBN’s interest, neither does it portend well for Nigeria and Nigerians. He will now increase the use of CBN resources for organizing his presidential political rallies, which is not good for the economy".

It is understood that Chief Moses Ayom, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is targeting the Nigerian presidency come 2023 to build a united nation for all the citizens irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and political differences.

On Monday, during the inaugural Conference of the APC Professionals Forum held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja., Ayom asserted that that the Buhari Led Government is an examplary vehicle which he's willing to hop in and continue the good work.

The North central Christian entrepreneur affirmed that there has been a rebirth of Nigeria and infrastructural development since the assumption of the pair in office in 2015, he added that the country under APC has transformed from professionals “scavenging the streets for paid white collar jobs to a more desirable situation of breeding entrepreneurial professionals who are creating wealth, adding value and growing the economy”.

Ayom has his goal as succeeding Buhari's art of breeding entrepreneurial professionals, holding that the current government has set a clear roadmap to the greatness of Nigeria, thus, forms a solid base for anyone like him to walk and work on come 2023. This group of professionals according to Ayom, has set their admirations on the President and Vice President, who are for all and are the delivery vehicles of the laudable policies of their progressive administration.

Speaking at the meeting,  Ayom stated that “a lot of these successes can be traced to Nigeria’s vast improvement in the Ease of Doing Business index. This policy championed by our President have seen young people break previous barriers especially in fields like ICT, Engineering and the creative industry”.

“It is on record that policies like the social intervention programmes, access to micro credits, the agricultural boom and the fight against corruption have seen an escalation in the participation of young people in the economic sector."

He went on to testify that he is "one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ease of doing business policy of the APC government." Adding that In 2016, he "was on President Buhari’s delegation representing the mining sector to the very successful trade mission to China where landmark agreements and partnerships were consummated"

The entrepreneur narrated that “It was on that trip that the historic currency swap agreement was signed. On the same trip, technical agreements for the iconic Dangote Refinery were signed. My company, Granite and Marble Ltd also signed a ground breaking agreement with the world’s largest manufacturer of mining equipment, SBM China Ltd to establish Africa’s biggest mining processing plant here in Abuja,”

Accompanied by former Governor of Bauchi state, Isa Yuguda, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, applauded and urged the Nigerian entrepreneurial professionals to embrace merited politicking, unity and oneness, discarding what he named 'parochial considerations', while making decisions that will affect the development of Nigeria, especially as 2023 election comes close.

By Bemgba Iortyom



Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday in Konshisha Local Government Area led the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the party's ongoing onslaught against the All Progressives Congress (APC) to receive into its fold leading stalwarts of the opposition party at a decamping ceremony.

Governor Ortom accompanied by his immediate predecessor, Senator Gabriel Suswam; Board of Trustees Member of the PDP, Chief Mrs. Margaret Icheen; Benue PDP State Chairman, Sir John Ngbede; Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, Governorship aspirants on the platform of the party and many others, received the stalwarts and their throng of followers at a colourful ceremony attended by a capacity crowd.

Those received into PDP at the event were former two term member of the Benue State House of Assembly for Konshisha State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Shimawua Azaigba; former Executive Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Council, Barr Joseph Ahire; former Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) in the National Assembly Service Commission to Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato, Hon. Terkaa Ugba Alough; Uncle to Rt. Hon. Herman Iorwase Hembe, Elder Tyokula Achihi; Elder Tyokula Yainjo and Hon Engr Agan Aondohemba who ran for the governorship of the state on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The harvest of such calibre of membership in Konshisha was a continuation of the operation by the governor to get the party into shape ahead of the 2023 general elections, a resolve he reiterated yesterday in Konshisha as he assured that PDP will take over power at the federal level come 2023.

Acknowledged by various speakers at the event, including Senator Suswam, Sir Ngbede, Mrs. Icheen and many others, as an astute and courageous leader, Governor Ortom stated that the greatest strength of the PDP lies in the performance of his administration, assuring that he is pulling all the stops to finish strong and keep the umbrella party well ahead of competition heading into 2023.

On current standing the Ortom led PDP onslaught in Benue State has seen the party so far harvest leaders and teeming membership at mega decamping events in over 10 local government areas across the 3 senatorial districts of the state, with the momentum still gathering towards peak levels.

Harvested into PDP in Benue during the ongoing onslaught have been the cream of the political leadership elite in the state including 3 term serving member of the House of Representatives for Gboko/Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. John Dyegh; serving member of the Benue State House of Assembly for Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency, Hon. Baba Odeh; the 2019 Senatorial candidate of the APC in Benue North-East, Chief Mimi Orubibi, former National and State Assembly members and candidates from the APC as well as top political leaders from the opposition camp.

In the midst of these, the emergence of President of the Senate in the 3rd Republic, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the PDP came as a decisive turning point in the fortunes of the party, marking the skewing of the political equilibrium in Benue heavily in its favour.

In contrast, APC in the state, while continually losing members to PDP, has also seen a drastic downturn in the fortunes of its leader, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, whose bid to be elected National Chairman of the broom wielders party has continued to flounder as the powers that be in the party, from all indications, are looking away from him in making their choice for the position.

It is an open secret that palpable fear has gripped the Benue APC as the spectre of catastrophe looms over them should their leader lose in his bid for the National Chairmanship of the party, a bid which represents a sole lifeboat for them in the shark infested waters of post Buhari succession politics in the party.

A marked distinction between PDP and APC in the state can be seen in the decamping events being hosted by the two parties, as while those events by PDP have usually drawn mammoth crowds which are genuinely swelling the party's ranks, those of the APC have been mostly poorly attended with rented crowds and poor logistical arrangements usually resulting in crisis at the end of each event.

Konshisha was another resounding success for the Benue PDP under the sure footed leadership of Governor Ortom, with many more such successes imminent to be recorded as the party continues on the march from one local government area to another across the state.

Iortyom is the PDP Publicity Secretary in Benue State.

By Yemi Itodo

When Benue State was created by the military administration of General Murtala Mohammed, on 3rd February 1976, it was a dream come true for Benue people, especially for the founding fathers, like the Late Joseph Tarka, who led the struggle for the creation of a state for the Middle Belt minorities for so many years.

At creation, Benue was like a finely built rocket waiting to be launched into the space. Hopes for the new state were high. But little did anyone know that the state would become the epicenter of Fulani herdsmen terrorism in few decades.

After the many years of military juntas and military interruptions of civil rules that slowed the development of Benue, like every other state in the country, power was finally returned to civilians in 1999. And the hope of the people was once again reignited.

But unfortunately, all that hope was dashed by the egregious corruption that characterized the civilian administration that took over from the military in the state.

Benue people were once again marooned!

Even more threatening, was the rejuvenated Fulani jihad sweeping across North Central Nigeria. Benue people were being targeted for extermination.

The people could no longer go to farms, Fulani herders were encroaching on their lands and destroying their farm produces. Their leaders were afraid to speak. Politicians were playing politics with their (Benue people) lives. The people were in a state of helplessness.

Then came a 'Messiah'!

When His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ioraer Ortom, came into office as the 5th civilian Governor of Benue State in 2015, the state was facing an existential threat; marauding Fulani militias were killing farmers and ransacking villages. Communities in Agatu were razed down in a manner that could not be salvaged, in February, 2016.

Like the heroic former UK Prime Minister, orator and leader, Winston Churchill, who led Britain to victory in the Second World War, Governor Ortom swung into action immediately by declaring a state of emergency on insecurity.

His action earned him a lot of apathy from Abuja and the Fulani oligarchy, but he was firm on his stance not to compromise or play politics with the lives of Benue people. At the same time he was fast becoming the 'Face' of the fight against Fulani bellicosity in Nigeria.

After all, the basis for the existence of any government, and the only role assigned to any responsible and responsive government by the Nigerian constitution, is the protection of lives and properties of its citizenry.

Bearing that in mind, in May, 2017, Governor Ortom signed the Benue Anti-Open Grazing Law which prohibits open grazing of cattle and other livestock and provides for establishment of ranches, in order to stop Fulani herdsmen militia from junketing farm settlements and killing villagers and destroying crops.

The Fulani herdsmen under the umbrella of Miyetti Allah Hautal Kore, did not make secret their threat to "deal" with Governor Ortom and Benue State, despite the fact that the law also provided stiff penalties for those found guilty of cattle rustling. It was therefore, clear that the herdsmen have an ulterior motive.

On the 1st January 2018, the Fulani herdsmen made good their threat, by murdering over 73 villagers in Guma local government area of Benue state. And again, Governor Ortom, like Churchill, used his great oratory to call the attention of the world to the genocide and the constant terror attacks on Benue State by Fulani herdsmen.

This further deteriorated the sour relationship between him (Governor Ortom) and the Presidency, vis-a-vis the Fulani oligarchy, who made no secret of their apathy for the Governor of the once robust food basket of the nation.

But the good people of Benue who know and value the great battle their leader, the 'Defender of the Benue Valley', Samuel Ortom is fighting for them, overwhelmingly reelected him in 2019, to continue the good work; after he was issued a "red card" by the agents of the enemies of Benue State.

Interestingly, Governor Ortom soon became the darling of most peace loving Nigerians, who would often make statement: "I wish he (Ortom) was my Governor", anytime there is a Fulani herdsmen attack on their states. And other state governors started copying Governor Ortom's model of enacting anti-open grazing laws to quash herdsmen attacks.

This too angered the leadership of the Fulani marauders and they again threatened to "deal" with Governor Ortom and Benue State for starting the anti-open grazing law trend.

In April, 2021, the convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom was attacked on his farm at Tyo-mu, along Makurdi-Gboko road. The Governor narrowly escaped. What an effrontery!!

A group called Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM, claimed responsibility for the attack. But till today, the police authorities, neither the secret agents of the state, did not make any arrest in connection with the attack.

Despite all these, the Governor refused to be discouraged. Today, he is a hero, not just to Benue State but to all the states in Nigeria where his wisdom of anti-open grazing law was borrowed.

As Benue celebrates her 46th anniversary today, let's not forget that the state is existing peacefully today because of the love and courage of Governor Samuel Ortom, the Winston Churchill of Benue State.

At a special thanksgiving and prayer session organized to commemorate the 46th anniversary of Benue, at the Chapel in People's House, Makurdi, on Thursday, the Governor told whoever that cared to listen that he was not fighting a personal fight, as some erroneously construed.

Rather, he said it was a fight for equity, justice and fairness.

"I challenge anyone that feels that I have said anything outside these 3 things (equity, justice and fairness) to come out, and I will apologize. But when there is none of these 3 things, God will rise by Himself from the throne and do justice and I think the time is ripe", Ortom said Thursday morning during the service.

The visibly elated Governor testified to the fact that Benue is now low in reported cases of banditry, armed robbery and local crimes; attributing it to the grace of God and strong political will to tackle them.

He believed that "this session of prayers we have made here today, will turn things around for Benue".

Also, during the service on Thursday, the Governor reiterated his allegiance to the people of Benue State, whose mandate he has sworn to defend.

He said, "I'm committed to stand by truth and say the truth. I will stand and defend the people who voted for me. My allegiance is to Benue people and not to any other group or persons".

For the doubting Thomases and the unending Naysayers, Governor Ortom assured that he would do all within his powers and God given time, to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, not minding the many distractions within and outside Benue.

"I want to assure you that, better is the end of everything than the beginning thereof. It doesn't matter even if it is one year remaining. All the programs that God has ordained me to do, I will do them before leaving", he told the congregation.

As the Governor goes about doing his constitutionally assigned duties of security and safety of Benue people and by also delivering quality governance to the people, as promised, it is therefore incumbent on Benue sons and daughters, including lovers of Benue, to commit him in their prayers.

We must, as a people, acknowledge that we must first have to be alive, before we talk about material things. Thus, if we are opportune to have a selfless man who puts his life on line for us to live; the least that is expected of us, is to support him with prayers and wish him well. For if we wish him otherwise, we are inadvertently scuttling our chances of corporate existence, as a people.

But that will not be possible in totality. After all, our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ who laid his life for mankind, was never appreciated by his people. Even as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who stood for his people during the Second World War, Winston Churchill was not loved by all.

But like the Bible posited, after his brothers sold him out and a serious famine hit the land, Joseph's worth became glaring and unparalleled. You don't know the worth of a thing, until you have lost it. Only time shall tell!!

Happy 46th anniversary to our dear Benue State!!!

(Itodo is the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Samuel Ortom).

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, events are gradually coming to a head that former Benue State Governor George Akume will, after all, not be voted as the national chairman of the party. And this is one of the reasons.

On Thursday, the 27th day of July 2006, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led more than 40 armed policemen to storm Makurdi, the Benue State capital city. They came to arrest some officials of the Akume-led state government. Behold, the governor had mobilised scores of his political thugs to unleash havoc on the EFCC officials. Former Governor Akume had personally assaulted the officials. As a result of this, the operatives could not carry out a proper investigation on the books of the state.

Secondly, there is a heavy burden on Senator Akume's head to extricate himself from allegations of financial impropriety before the antigraft agencies amounting to over N4,556,899,632.9 billion when he served as governor. It is said that financial fraud ranges from misappropriation of public funds, approvals above the limit, abuse of office and public trust. This also includes the sale of 33,440,818 units of shares in the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), valued at some whopping sums of money, which he illegally took without recourse to due process.

Already, a letter of complaint is lying before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Inspector General of Police, written and signed by counsel to the Benue State Government, Okeoga Darlington.

The letter of complaint was generated from an audit report spanning 1999–2007 when Senator Akume served as governor.

Some of these reckless financial dealings were linked to the consultancy and feasibility study for Mbatiav Cement, which turned out to be a white elephant project that never saw the light of the day.

Credible information available says that President Buhari is worried about this and has been told by his kitchen cabinet not to hand over the leadership of the APC to Akume.

Another point that is working against the ambition of Senator Akume to become the National Chairman of the APC is the fact that he comes from the ACN faction of the APC, which has already produced two national chairmen of the party, Chief Bisi Akande and Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

The CPC faction of the APC, which was the original bloc of the President Muhammad Buhari, is believed to be the likely producer of the next APC national chairmanship.

Meanwhile, the allegiance and traditional relationship with former Governor of Lagos State and a Presidential contender, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may be another striking factor that would mitigate the chances of the self acclaimed leader of APC in the North Central.

(Source: Opera News).

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has appointed an Abuja based online media practitioner, Prince Yemi Itodo as Senior Special Assistant on New Media.

Ortom, through an appointment letter dated 31st January, 2022 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Ijohor (SAN); said Itodo's appointment was based on merit and with immediate effect.

"Your appointment which is based on merit is also a call to National Service. It is expected therefore, that you will mobilize all the sterling qualities, which singled you out for this appointment to justify the confidence reposed in you", the letter reads in part.

Itodo has since, transmitted his acceptance of the appointment, pledging to discharge his "duties and responsibilities with commitment, diligence" and to the best of his ability.

A native of Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, Prince Itodo was trained at the Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo and International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.

Aside serving as media consultant to several agencies and public office holders in the past; Itodo is currently the Chairman of National Assembly New Media, Publisher of DayBreak Times and Senior editorial staff of the leading online newspaper in Nigeria, Daily Post; amongst others.

By Esther Daniels

Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Monday, said over 5000 Fulani children had benefitted from his education intervention program.

Okorocha stated this at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Monday, to declare his intention for the plum job in Nigeria.

The Lawmaker representing Imo West at the Senate, in an elaborate unwritten address, highlighted education, security, youths and women empowerment, economic revitalization, unity and poverty eradication as parts of the cardinals of his policies, when elected the President of Nigeria.

He said, he has trained over 25,000 children and students across Africa through the Rochas Foundation, adding that he would make education available for all Nigerians, both poor and rich making learning attractive for all and sundry.

He said, "I have trained over 5,000 Fulani children in schools, I have trained over 6,000 Yoruba children and over 10,000 Igbo children in schools. I don't need to know them or be close to them, all I understand is the language of poverty, because I was a child of poverty".

He stressed that, "the mood of the nation now suggests that it needs a leader who is compassionate and who can listen to the cries of orphans and widows, the downtrodden.

Senator Okorocha, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tourism, had last week, officially declared his intention to run for the position of President, during the plenary session.

The Chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) said he had contested for President of Nigeria 20 years ago, in 2007 and also in 2014, saying he was in politics for what he could offer and not what he could gain.

He said, "I'm not in politics for what I can gain, I'm in politics for what I can offer. I did not make my money through politics. If you are in doubt, go and ask the Code of Conduct Bureau, I was already made before becoming the Governor of Imo State. If there is anyone who was like me before venturing into politics, let the person come out and speak".

He stressed that the nation needed a man who could encourage the youth to be self employed and bring them out of poverty, adding that, the notion that Nigeria was the poverty capital of the world was untrue.

"The days of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop must stop in Nigeria. I introduced the 'Youth Must Work Initiative' in Imo State and it worked.

"The era of a young Chinese man would be producing toothpicks and other items for my Nigerian youths on the street to consume, shall be over.

"Under my government, employment shall be ephemeral thing, what we shall have will be youths who are self employed, because we shall cause the youths to identify and explore their innate talents", Okorocha added.

As an entrepreneur, Okorocha said, "The problem of Nigeria is that, if there is a problem of N1bn to solve, Nigeria has only N10,000 to solve it. The country needs a radicalized businessman who can turn nothing to something.

"What do you say of a Police man whose salary is N50,000 and he goes to buy a bag of rice for N30,000 to feed about 7 children?"

The Lawmaker ruled out the issue of zoning as a reason for his ambition, saying, he was not a candidate of zoning but that of justice, to give sense of belonging to the people of South East in Nigeria.

By Yemi Itodo


Member representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Rep. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called on leaders and various stakeholders to join hands with the government to develop the Niger Delta region.

This was, even as the Lawmaker also assured the people of the region of government's continuous interventions, to alleviate the challenges in the region.

Rep. Tunji-Ojo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, made this known while fielding questions from newsmen at the funeral ceremony of his father-in-law, Chief (Engr.) Benson Akinola Otegbeye at the weekend in Owo, Ondo State.

According to him, government alone could not do everything for the people of the region, urging stakeholders to collaborate and make sure the life of the average Niger Deltan gets better.

“We assure the people of Niger Delta that we will continue to do our best, to do what we know how to do, what we have been doing; which is fighting for the people of Niger Delta.

“Today, like what I keep saying, where NDDC was in 2019 when I came on board is not where it is now. We thank God we’ve had our storms, but nevertheless we are all in one government, the bottom line is ability to collaborate and make sure the life of the average Niger Delta get better and that’s we are committed doing”, he said.

On the life of his father-in-law, whom the entire state stood still for his burial, Rep. Tunji-Ojo described him as a disciplinarian, saying he was somebody whose life was a mode of guidance for his wife.


“I could remember before I even got married to my wife, he was there for us. He has always been a pillar of support for us, he was somebody whose life and moral compass is a mode of guidance for my wife and the kind of supporting culture that he trained my wife with; perfectly imbibed in her and is a reason why today am grateful to God for having such a pleasant woman as a wife", he eulogized.


Rep. Tunji-Ojo observed that, though the event was a sad moment, but it was also a celebration of life.

“So, for me, it is a very sad moment, but is also a celebration of life, because we thank God that we are here and we continue to pursue his legacies and we continue to do all we can do, in order to do what he knows best, which is to provide succour and also help humanity”, he added.


The Lawmaker eulogised the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who led over 40 lawmakers to the funeral ceremony.

He said, "We are grateful to God for the presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, with over 30 to 40 members of the House of Reps.”

Also present at the event were the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaobochi; deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky O. Aiyedatiwa; Wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs. Betty Akeredolu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; the Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Hon. Fatai Adams.

Others include, Interim Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa, his Commissioners, Members of the House of Representatives, Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Executive Council, traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Ondo State Traditional Council and the Deeji of Akure, Oba Aladetonyinbo Aladelusi,p olitical associates, among others.

By Yemi Itodo

Chief (Dr.) Sylva Ameh, the new Board Chairman of Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, has identified shortage of Polytechnic education and inadequate skills training as one of the hindrances to industrialisation in Nigeria.

Chief Ameh expressed this concern yesterday in Abuja, after being inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, alongside other Board members of the newly established Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.

According to him, the number of Polytechnics in the country was not enough to provide cognate education for the teeming students who should become the technical manpower of the nation, adding that the existing institutions also needed to be sufficiently equipped.

"Let me say very quickly, that polytechnics in Nigeria are not enough. As at today, we have 131 polytechnics in Nigeria, including the ones that have been inaugurated today. And the polytechnic we are bringing on table is to create relevant education for the teeming youths in this country, what we are bringing to table in particular, will be for industrialisation of this country.

"We are talking of Nigeria being a giant of Africa, how do we be giant of Africa, if we don't go into industrialisation. We have to go into industrialisation to improve the economy, what the polytechnic will bring to the table will be to train and provide middle level manpower to run the industries.

"The manpower we are going to bring to the table will be graduates of Polytechnic, who will not go to the streets looking for office jobs, they will be graduates that will work on their own", he said.

Chief Ameh, a vast technocrat, who has served as Federal Director of Account and Finance in over 13 Ministries, pledged to bring his experience to bear, in making the new Polytechnic in Enugu a citadel of technical education, indeed.

He added that, "the Polytechnic is situated in Ohodo, in eastern region, I'm proud to say that the Igbos who occupy that region are gifted with natural acumen for production and I want to make Ohodo to be an institution that will produce graduates that will make the eastern region economic hub for production".

Speaking separately after the inauguration ceremony, former Governor of Bauchi State, Major General Chris Garuba (Rt.), immediate past Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Arc. Sonny Echono, former Minister of State for Niger Delta, Hon. Sam Ode, National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Prof. Dickson Akoh and others, pledged their support to the new Polytechnic board, to enable them succeed in the new assignment.

Hon. Patience Enotse Egwurube, Councilor representing Igumale Ward 2, in Ado Local Government Council of Benue State, has called out the Council Chairman, Hon. James Oche, for allegedly embezzling the council's share of the money released by the State government, as Christmas packages.

Governor Samuel Ortom had reportedly mobilized the 23 Council Chairmen in the state, for onward disbursement to Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Traditional Rulers and other stakeholders in their respective areas, for the celebration of Christmas.

Hon. Egwurube, who is the only female Councilor in the entire 102 Council Wards of Benue South, in a post via her Facebook page on Sunday, alleged that "all Council Chairmen reached out to their people as directed except Ado LGC".

According to her, she decided to "bring the attention of the public to the excruciating issue rather than dying in silence", adding that, her constituents were already complaining about the injustice and neglect.

The lawmaker further alleged that Hon. Emmanuel Ajagbo, the Leader, Ado Legislative Council, has also failed to address the House on the issue.

She wrote: "Xmas Without Meriment In Ado.

"Ado is a council out of the 23 LGCs in Benue State. The father and Leader of Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom approved and released money to the 23 Council Chairmen to disburse to Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Traditional Rulers and other stakeholders for the celebration of the Xmas.

"All Council Chairmen reached out to their people as directed except Ado LGC.

"I represent Igumale Ward 2 and my people are complaining, I am also complaining. We have decided not to die in silence.

"The Ado Legislative Council Leader is silent , he is not addressing us, he is not representing the collective interest of Igumale Ward 2 which is the headquarters of Ado LGC!

"What is happening? Do we deserve this suffering? Why will Governor send Xmas package to us and the Ado Council Chairman will sit on it?

"Me I will shout ooo, I am not an appointee of the Council Chairman, James Oche, the people of Igumale Ward 2 elected me to speak for them and I am speaking for me."

Efforts by our reporter to reach Hon. Oche, the Council Chairman and Hon. Ajagbo, the House Leader, for their own side of the story, proved abortive as their telephone lines were unreachable as at the time of filing this report.

No fewer than 50 widows and other less privileged members of the society benefited from initiative of ex-beauty queen, Miss Jennifer Ezenwa in the Mpape area of Abuja, at the weekend.

Tagged “Christmas With Widows 4th Edition under the #queenjeniferezenwaprojects saw the distribution of rice, cloths and foot wears to the widows.

Speaking at the event, former Beauty Queen, Miss Ezenwa, said she was drawn to widows’ condition because of her childhood experience with her late mother who was a widow before her demise five years ago.

“I lost my mother five years ago, who became a widow in 2003 after my
father died. I understand what widows go through at this time of the season; they struggle for everything to put a smile on the faces of their children at Christmas.

“With the current situation in the country, couples are not finding life easy let alone a widow or single parent. This is the fourth year since I started the project which has taken me to Kaduna and other
parts of the FCT and we will continue to empower women especially the very vulnerable in the society,” Ezenwa said.

Mrs Naomi Edwin, one of the beneficiaries and a pregnant mother of
three who hails from Agatu LGA of Benue State lost her husband five
months ago told our Correspondent that she lives on generous donations to feed
her children and prepare for the birth of her fourth baby.

She expressed gratitude to the organisers for remembering their plights at this season.

Mrs Mary Abiodun, who has been a widow for five years and a mother of
three lamented her condition as she could barely feed her three once a day.

Mrs Abiodun said she is forced to withdrawn one of her children from school because she could no longer pay his school fees.

While hailing the effort of the beauty queen for remembering them in
her pet project, she called on well-meaning Nigerians to continue to
remember the widows in their midst.

Data of all the widows were taken including what they are currently engaged in for possible future economic empowerments.

Miss Ezenwa assured the widows of her continued support towards uplifting their conditions while encouraging them not give up on hope for a better life for them and their children in spite their
challenges.

By Esther Daniels


Special Assistant (Press) to the President of the Senate, Ezrel Tabiowo, and five other notable Nigerians have been conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by the Africa Institute for Public Administration (AIPA), Ghana, in partnership with the London Bridge Business School, United Kingdom.

The other honorees are Professor Chijioke Nwaozuzu, Director, Emerald Energy Institute (Petroleum and Energy Economics, Policy and Strategic Studies), University of Port Harcourt; Dr. Samuel Barko Lar, former General Manager, Nigeria Airways; Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, Director and Board Member, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Anthony Ibezi, Member, House of Representatives; and Dr. Eric Mekwuye, a Hospitality Specialist.

Dr. Tabiowo alongside the other five honorees of the 10th class were also certified as Leadership Solution Strategy Experts, and inducted Fellows of AIPA at the 10th fellowship induction and honorary investiture ceremony which held after a three-day Transformational Leadership Conference organized by the Institute in Abuja.

The investiture of the honorees was sequel to the approval of the Governing Council and Academic Advisory Board of Africa’s premier Institute for Public Administration – AIPA.

An astute administrator and media expert, Dr. Tabiowo has held several leadership positions and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants – Nigeria; Fellow of the Institute of Management Specialists, United Kingdom; Fellow of the Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CeProd); and Fellow of the West African Society for Communication and Administration (WASCA).

A member of the African Business Club, he is also a Certified Management Consultant of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), and recipient of the Institute of Management Specialists’ Award for Leadership Excellence.

Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, in a speech delivered during the investiture ceremony, urged members of the 10th class to be good ambassadors of the institute.

“We are admitting you into the Fellowship of Africa’s premier and apex professional Institute in the education and practice of Public Administration as the 10th class.

“First and seventh classes took place between Accra, London, Dubai, Abuja and Kigali, in a tight curriculum schematics that is a mix of theory and practice.

“Our learning partners have graciously consented to further admit few of the members of the class who have track records of service, achievements, and moral rectitude into the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration and Business Administration to strengthen your spark to lead in government, society or business.

“By virtue of your fellowship induction and other investiture, you have become alumni of the Institute, our role models and ambassadors. We charge you to show the light that others may follow”, Dr. Nwankwo said.

The Africa Institute for Public Administration is the continent’s professional education platform that seeks to innovate and reshape the operationalization and management of government systems in countries of Africa through conducted research and survey regarding policies.

AIPA is affiliated to the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation, The Netherlands; International Public Policy Association, France; the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA), Brussels Belgium; and the American Society for Public Administration, Washington DC.

By Yemi Itodo

A nonpartisan political pressure group, Igede in 2023 Movement, has said that it's the turn of old Oju which compromised of the Igede speaking Local government areas of Oju and Obi to produce the next Senator of Benue South Senatorial District.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a political summit recently held in Oju. The communique was signed by Hon. Amity Ijuwo, Chairman Communique Drafting Committee, James Igiri Odeh, Secretary, among others.

The group also reiterated its support to the emergence of Benue State Governor of Idoma extraction.

The communique entitled 'Communique of Igede Political Summit Organized By Igede In 2023 Movement On 27th November, 2021 At The Multipurpose Hall, College Of Education, Oju, Benue State' partly read:

"Worried by the dearth of socioeconomic and political development in Igede land, a thought it wise to organize a political summit with a view to broadening the scope of political participation and charting new paradigms ahead of 2023 general elections.

"The political summit in a brainstorming session that drew participants from various spectra of Igede society identified issues that have been militating against Igede socioeconomic and political development to include:

"Absence of Internal democracy within the Political Parties.

"Absence of justice , equity and fairness in political leadership recruitment process.

"Failure of Political Representatives who isolate themselves from the people they represent.

"General tendency towards selfishness, greed, avarice, envy and jealousy that polarize Igede people along the weak seams of parochialism

"Disregard for public interest or common good in preference to personal and some times sectional interest.

"Lack of strong point of convergence in Igede society.

"Poverty and economic disempowerment among members of Igede society, amongst many others.

"Lack of accountability from political office holders.

"Elite indifference and conspiracy.

"The summit, having identified, discussed and analyzed issues that caused backwardness ditto, resolved as follows:

"That the sharing of political offices both elective and appointive positions should rotate strictly among the three (3) old districts (Old Oju, Old Okpokwu and Old Otukpo) power blocs in Benue South Senatorial District.

"That the position of Senate for Benue South Senatorial District should rotate to Old Oju in 2023 in line with the spirit of equity, justice and fair-play.

"That We will fully support any candidate of Benue Zone C extraction who runs for the governorship of Benue State irrespective of party platform

"That We are determined to work together with the rest of Zone C to achieve common political goals in the zone and to seek collaboration with zones A and B in the State.

"That the zoning of political offices in Igede land shall be followed strictly to allow for the preponderance of the principles of equity, justice and fairness and to avoid unnecessary crisis.

"That consequent on the above, therefore, Political parties are encouraged to Zone the House of Representatives seat to Oju local government area in 2023.

"That we as Igede people are determined to retain and nurture our cultural and political identities in the country without losing focus of the larger picture of unity.

"That we will vehemently oppose, resist and prevent political gladiators from within and outside Igede land from selecting or imposing unpopular candidates on the Igede electorates thereby disrupting and disobeying our internal zoning arrangements.

"We hereby resolved that Igede sons and daughters will collaborate, cooperate and unite with each other so as to speak with one voice and take a common stand on issues that affect the overall interest of Igede nation irrespective of political affiliations."

Nigeria’s agric innovative firm, Agrichainx Innovative Technologies Limited has reinstated its commitment to improving the quality of agricultural production in Nigeria through the application of modern of technologies, access to finance and tools.

The chief executive officer of Agrichainx Innovative Technologies Limited, Dr Dodfrey Otoaye, made the commitment over the weekend at the Agrichainx 2021 Conference, Awards in Abuja.

Otoaye said the company chose the conference theme: “Repositioning
Agriculture Through Blockchain Technology In Africa” is in line with the company’s vision of connecting farmers to market, access to finance, tools and chemicals.

He said over the years, they have grouped farmers into cooperatives in
Nigeria and 15 African countries, fund them and after harvesting, help them to sell their produce to processing companies and other users.

He noted that farmers have been assisted with good seedlings to make
them get good harvests.

“We are using technologies to help farmers to be efficient using four
vital technologies: AI, Internet of Things, Big Data and Blockchain. With these technologies, it reduces a lot of challenges farmers faced on their farms,” he said.

Otoaye stated that Agrichainx is providing window of employment for
youths all over the country by training them to work as extension workers to farmers who need to be educated on soil texture and the application of farm inputs.

Also speaking on the sideline of the conference, the national head of
partnership and external relations of Agrichainx, Hon. Peace Patrick, said women farmers have benefited from the cooperatives formed by Agrichainx, stressing that all women need to do is farm and worry less about market, “we bring buyer for their produces”.

Silicon Valley investor, Mrs Amina Ajayi, said the use of technology in agriculture is changing the narrative of farming. She urged youths to shun violence and go into agriculture which is the next gold mine in the country.

She stressed that Nigerian youths can export agricultural products in billions of dollars like their counterparts in Silicon Valley, California, United States of America that exports over 65 billion
dollars of technology annually.

Speaking at the event, Agrichainx ambassador, King Tonto Dikeh, a farmer, admonished Nigerian youths to take into farming as her five years sojourn in livestock farming has been profitable.

“I have a passion for agriculture, I am a farmer, I try to make farming attractive for my peer groups. I want more like me to go into farming because farming is the future,” she said.

By Patience Okai

Member Representing Lere Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Munir, has said that the formulation of the National Council on Special Education Needs ( NCSEN) will catapult Nigeria to achieving the  Sustainable Development Goals 4 and the over all 2030 SDGs, ensuring that the statement of “No Child Left Behind” graduates from slogan to reality.

In a statement he titled "SECURING A BETTER TOMORROW, TODAY," the lawmaker said that the 20th of November, 2021 marked Children's Day, a commemorative date celebrated annually in honor of children.

 He said he was using the auspicious time to announce his simultaneous submission of three separate bills for Legislative scrutiny via the office of the Rt. Honorable Speaker. 

"All three Bills have enormous implications that shall further bend the arch towards a free, just and luminous society for all. The first Bill borders on National Security, the second is to establish a Federal Medical Center in Lere Federal Constituency and thirdly is on the Establishment of a National Council on Special Education Needs (NCSEN). In honor of Children's Day, I will use this forum to focus on the latter." 

"No Child Left Behind: Four words that propelled the overhaul of education globally to cater to all students. Education is among several sectors that require restructuring in Nigeria. From archaic syllabus to exam malpractice, several glitches within the educational system have caused Nigeria to lag behind educational quality internationally," he said.

According to him, in the shadows of the system, lurked the plight of Special Education Needs( SEN) students who were often disregarded as dull, slow, or mentally challenged.

He said SEN students are marginalized and ignored. "Most people are dismissive of the realities of learning difficulties, assuming it is not a common problem in Nigeria. This is far from the truth. SEN is stereotypically categorized as educating physically challenged students in separate special schools."

"Special Education is much more than two or three labels. It covers a vast range of learning difficulties, sensory/physical difficulties, communication needs, intellectual disabilities, behavioral/emotional difficulties, and medical conditions."

"It is necessary to accommodate students with special needs, within mainstream schools, instead of them being unjustly perceived as burdens and brushed aside."

"Identifying strength and weakness, application of multiple teaching methods, Individualized Educational Plans, therapy, modified syllabus & assessments and physical structural assistance are few services that are provided to SEN students to improve their educational knowledge." 

"I examined the “Disability Bill” which is still in limbo in the National Assembly shelf. “Part XII – Education” section of the “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities” is flawed in the sense that it is not adequate and relevant for Students with Learning Disabilities. A few lines are not sufficient to cater for the needs of students in Nigeria. “Special Education” should be an Act on its own."

"The aim of the NCSEN is to protect the rights of Children with Learning difficulties and improve their educational outcome in an affordable manner, and ensure the equality of opportunity, independent livelihood, and economic self-sufficiency. It should be designed to meet their needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living."

"Some learning disabilities include, Dyslexia (difficulty with processing language), Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), Dyscalculia (difficulty with math), and Dyspraxia (problems with hand-eye coordination). Children with Autism usually have difficulties in communication and being social, which is detrimental to the learning process."

"Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are behavior disorders that are disruptive to the learning process, because it affects attention span, information retention, and concentration. Brain Injury that impairs the learning faculties is also recognized as Learning Disability."

"In the coming weeks ahead, I am looking forward to present this Bill along with the others in front of my colleagues in the Narional Assembly and the general public to make a case for it and seek their support in order to secure its passage."

"The formulation of the NCSEN will catapult Nigeria to achieving our SDG 4 and our over all 2030 SDGs and ensuring that the statement of “No Child Left Behind” graduates from slogan to reality," he said.

By Yemi Itodo

The Managing Director, Jos Electricity Distribution (JEDC) Plc, Engr. Hashim Ibrahim Bakori, on Thursday, said postpaid customers across the company’s franchise states of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Plateau were indebted to the company to the tune of N115 billion.

Bakori, who decried the colossal debt said it had greatly impinged on the operations of the company, stressing that the postpaid customers debts were different from the cost of energy losses as a result of energy theft.

Bakori made the disclosure in Jos, Plateau State, during the launch of the company's 5-year Corporate Strategic Plan, to kick start a new goal to be achieved by the DISCO.

According to him, "If nothing is done to bridge the gap, a lot will go wrong and that is why we are launching the Corporate Strategic Plan, and by the time we are done, people will start seeing improvements on our energy supply across our franchise States".

The MD further explained that, the company had "consulted reputable company in the world to come and partner with us in moving the company forward".

Bakori was optimistic of the company's improved service delivery, assuring customers that "From today you will see a very new Jos DisCo".

He, however, lamented that, despite the laudable efforts by the new management of JED PLC to achieving qualitative service delivery to customers, vandalism and energy theft still remain huge challenges to the company.

"Despite these efforts, the company is currently bedeviled by some man-made challenges. These challenges range from vandalism and theft of our installations, energy theft, to customers' huge indebtedness to the company", Bakori added.

He said, "In 2021 alone, vandals and thieves have touched about 200 distribution transformers, armored cables, copper earth wires, transformer oil, feeder pillars, copper bars, several spans of aluminum conductors, line insulators, etc",

Also speaking, the Chief Commercial Officer of Jos DisCo, Engr. Mansir Nakande, said to achieve the desired level of reliable power supply, each of the 11 DisCos developed a 5-year Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which was reviewed and approved by Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on 29th April 2021.

Nakande said the PIP plan for 5 years is put at N47.23 billion, excluding the investment in customers metering.

Earlier, the Chairman, Jos DisCo Plc, Alhaji Babanginda Inuwa, in his welcome address, said the new vision of the power company would henceforth become the backbone of JEDC's growth.

According to him, "The purpose of the new 5-years strategic plan is to help demonstrate how JED intends to break away from inefficiencies and inadequacies".

Meanwhile, in order to meet customers satisfaction, JEDC Plc said it had installed and commissioned about 88,500 prepaid meters from January to date, at the cost of N5.6bn.

The company had also planned to invest not less than N7.2bn on its network expansion and reinforcement.

By Patience Okai

Determined to empower his constituents, Member representing Lere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Munir has provided financial assistance and other materials to about 5000 women and youths in small and medium scale sector of the economy.

The gesture, he said ,was a stimulus package to boost the Nation's economy especially at the local level.

The event which took place at the  Saminaka Resort, was attended by politicians, religious and traditional leaders as well as other stakeholders across the divide from Kaduna State.

Speaking, former Member of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawal Mato, commended the Lawmaker for the giant stride.

Hon. Mato also appealed to the people of the constituency to continue supporting the Member in order to enable him succeed.

Responding, Hon. Munir called on the beneficiaries as well as those who were on course to directly benefit from the gesture, to continue praying for him to succeeed noting that he has lined up several other constituency outreach programmes that will help alleviate the sufferings of the masses.

The Member thereafter, led the stakeholders to commision his constituency office where he also donated cars and motorcycles to some people.

He also donated a new Ford Ranger pick-up to the Divisional Police  Officer in order to assist the police in maintaining the peace in the area.

Some of the beneficiaries who were interviewed by our correspondent, commended the lawmaker for the gesture and prayed God to guide and protect him.

In a related development, Hon. Ahmed Munir has awarded scholarships and subsidies to Kaduna State students who hail from his constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmaker, his personal assistant, Najib Kabir told Journalists that those who applied for the scholarship scheme were interviewed and funds provided to them on the spot.

"As we speak and as you can see, we are conducting interviews on eligible candidates, immediately we are done, they are given their cash on the spot", he said.

A recipient of the award, Binta Musa Shekarau who hails from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, thanked Hon. Munir paying her school fees, saying that her parents who are both aged could no longer afford to pay her tuition fee hence her gratitude to the lawmaker.

Another beneficiary, Maryam Ahmed also praised the Federal Lawmaker for giving her the opportunity to pay her school fees.
According to her, the cost of feeding and paying tuition fee has overwhelmed her parents.

"However, the Hon has paid my school fees and I want to thank him", she said.

By Patience Okai


As the 51st conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa region comes to a close in Abuja, the Clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria (CNA), Arc. Ojo Olatunde Amos, has beconed on Parliamentarians and delegates across Africa, to patronise local products of the Nigerian people.

The CPA conference which lasted for one week in Abuja, was used as an avenue to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the economies of Members State, as well as the inclusion of women and youths in active politics, amongst other things.

Aside the social interactions and brainstorming on possible ways to reinvigorate the economy of participating nations in a post-COVID-19 era; the conference was also used to showcase the many cultural deposits of Nigeria, with the view to provoking investments.

Arc. Amos, during the closing session of the 51st conference yesterday, praised Nigeria as not only a giant of Africa, but also rich in culture and local delicacies, which he said other countries would always like to patronise.



He said, despite the diversities in religions and tribes, the cultural heritage of Nigeria was also part of her God-given strength and blessings.

"As you know, Nigeria is a very big country, in fact it is not for nothing that we are tagged the 'giant of Africa. In spite of glaring challenges that confront us as a country, our unity is not compromisable nor negotiable.


"Our various diverse cultures are indeed great blessings that the Almighty has endowed us with. I will say clearly here that Nigerians are very proud of their cultural attributes.

"On the lighter mood our country is flowered incredibly with great delicacies that can compete with others from anywhere in the world. Our Black Soup, Pounded Yam and Egusi soup, Bitter Leaf Soup, Plantain and Owho, Starch and Banga, Edikankong, Tuwo Masses, etc are simply unbeatable...", the CNA said.

Speaking on the role of Nigeria in the Society for Clerks-At-The-Table (SoCATT), Amos appreciated the Africa region of CPA for always entrusting the country with much responsibilities.

He said, "I am proud to note that Nigeria was involved in the establishment of SoCATT in Accra, Ghana. During the maiden meeting, we were honoured with the position of Vice-Chairmanship of the society. Subsequently, Nigeria became regional representative for West Africa up to and until this meeting. We appreciate your recognition and do not take it for granted".

Arc. Amos assured the SoCATT, Africa region, that the Nigeria's branch, under his watch, shall fully participate in all activities of the society.

"We are presently challenged with inadequate resources. However, as soon as we stabilize in terms of resources, we shall partner with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja as well as the Steering Committee of SoCATT, to host the Parliamentary Development Seminar (PDS) for Officials of Parliament across Commonwealth Africa", Amos added.

By Patience Okai

Speaker of KwaZulu Natal legislature in South Africa, Hon. Boyce Nontembeko, has advised African Parliamentarians to legislate strong laws that would enable successful prosecution of rape cases in the court of law, with the view to bringing suspects to book.

Current legislations in most African countries, especially Nigeria, make it practically impossible to establish a case of rape or securing justice for the victims.

Rape became another global pandemic in year 2020, following the lockdown occasioned by the spread of the deadly virus, COVID-19, with women, mostly young girls and children as the worst hit.

Hon. Nontembeko, while addressing Journalists in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday, said the scourge of rape and other gender based violence would be tamed, only with strong legislations, like the Hate Crimes Bill of the South African Parliament.

The Woman Parliamentarian, who delivered a paper titled ‘The Challenge of Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) During the Pandemic’, at the ongoing 51st Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa region, lamented that, the COVID-19 pandemic had serious effect on the implementation of SDGs.
“We must unite and enact laws that will work for our own people, especially, on the issue of gender. Rape is amongst those effects of the COVID-19 that might be implicit because it affects gender. When I spoke about Gender Based Violence, we are also including rape.

“That is why in South Africa, we have put forth the Hate Crimes Bill. Although the Bill does not only speak about rape, it also speaks about the murder of people, because of correctional rape or because of their own sexuality, so I think that countries in the Commonwealth need to put stronger or more effort on understanding that, for as long as we leave the issues that relate to violence that is sexually motivated, there is no real hope for the development of Africa.

“The harmony of Africa and the peace in Africa will not be achieved by silencing gun only, for as long as women and children are subjugated by their stronger allies which are men, there will be no real peace.

“So speaking about rape, it must be a priority of Commonwealth to end Gender Based Violence and rape, and we have to also, within our own criminal justice laws, be explicit in how we determine the sanctions and strong punishment for rape, including the domestic violence that is perpetrated against women and children in own country and other members of the Commonwealth”, Nontembeko added.

She also harped on mental health of Africans, adding that the drift of attention to COVID-19 had distracted everyone from mental health, reproductive health, malaria and other communicable diseases.

KwaZulu Natal, one of the nine provinces in the South African Parliament, has the largest representatives as lawmakers from the country in the 2021 conference of CPA holding in Nigeria.

By Patience Okai


President Muhammad Buhari of Nigeria, on Thursday, addressed the opening ceremony of the 51st conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa region in Abuja Nigeria.

Represented by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the President commended the Commonwealth nations in Africa, for the synergy between the legislature and executive, vis-à-vis interparliamentary relations that exist amongst Members state.

According to Osinbajo, President Buhari was away in Paris for a Peace Foum, where Nigeria is expected to host a segment on issues concerning the post COVID economy.

Speaking on the theme for the 51st conference, 'African Parliaments and the Challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic', the President said the virus has wrecked great havoc on the socioeconomic fabrics of the world, "and in particular, Africa".

He said, "virtually all African countries have had cases, with over 6 million people infected and well over 150,000 deaths.

"Already, troubling levels of poverty and joblessness were worse here in Africa. About 40 million people have been estimated to have been pushed into extreme poverty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while unemployment rate in large Commonwealth African countries, like Nigeria and South Africa were about 30%.

"In this mystery, obviously, women and girls are the worst hits. Indeed, the lockdown has greatly shown to have increased the rate of school dropouts amongst girls, especially those from low income families; increased child marriages, adolescent childbearing and gender based violence; a short drop in income for most families here in Nigeria and in most of the economies in Africa, will mean that the families would be making choices of what will disfavor the girl child.

"In this situation, the African policymakers and legislators, were compelled to respond through policies that drive growths, create jobs, improve lives and by paying special attentions to issues that will improve the lives of women and girls".

Buhari stressed that, those countries (like Nigeria), that may not have the luxury of wonderful packages that wealthier economies have, would have to look inwards and explore the opportunities of boosting productivity and overproduction, adding that, it had been tough for Nigeria and many African countries.

"In many of our nations, the executive and the legislature, work, and are still working, consciously, to seamlessly and efficiently deliver budgets and legislations, to mitigate the economic problems, in the aftermath of the pandemic", he said.

The President, full of hope, said the pandemic has provided the opportunity to reinvigorate the economy and revisit the social contract the political class had with the people.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria and President designate of CPA, Africa region, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, advocated full integration in Africa, using the legislative instrument to have a common passport, market and a single customs and monetary union.

Gbajabiamila, in his welcome address, noted that the CPA Africa Region had and would continue to play an essential role in advancing democracy in Africa, noting that it provided an opportunity for parliamentarians across Africa to engage with and learn from each other about the challenges they shared and the strategies for overcoming them.

He said, "...let us commit ourselves to using the tools of parliamentary diplomacy and authority to enable the achievement of a common Passport, a common market and a single customs and monetary union that will make full African integration possible.

"Let us agree to use the instruments of trade and common markets to set us irreversibly on the path to a future of honourable peace, abiding prosperity and brotherhood amongst the nations of Africa."

The opening ceremony, which had Parliamentarians and delegates from 18 countries of the Commonwealth nations in Africa, was also attended by Speakers of various Houses of Assembly in Nigeria and other lawmakers.

There were goodwill messages from Mr. Stephen Twigg, the Secretary-General, CPA, United Kingdom; Mr. Ian Liddell-Grainger, the acting chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee, and the Chairperson, CPA Africa Region Executive Committee and Speaker of Kenyan National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Justin B. N. Muturi, represented by Vice Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Dr. Christopher Elila.

By Patience Okai

To encourage more women participation in active politics, African leaders have been charged to designate some ballots and seats for only women in the Parliament.

Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region, Rt. Hon. Justin Muturi, disclosed this stand, after presiding over the first executive committee of the 51st conference in Abuja.

To achieve this, Hon. Muturi advised that other African countries should borrow the system in operation in Kenya, where about 47 seats are permanently reserved for women, representing each of the 47 counties that make up the Kenya National Assembly.

Addressing journalists at the end of the executive session Wednesday night, Hon. Muturi also harped on youth inclusion in the affairs of government in Africa, saying, those were the enduring values of the Commonwealth.

Although, he stressed that the Commonwealth Parliament would not imposed it on any country, due to operational constitution of such nation, but the CPA would impress it on Members State to enshrine it, adding that, "even the United Nations, has not imposed any of its values on one another".

He said "there is an issue of women representation in parliament in many parts of the world, not just Africa. What we need to do is to encourage people, as many as possible, to participate in electoral politics.

"It has been a big problem for us, especially in Kenya, to get women to participate in politics.

"So, when we meet with our colleagues from the rest of the continent, we try to share their experiences on how to have more women participating in electoral politics.

"We need to look into what we should do to encourage them to come out and participate. Sometimes, we go for affirmative actions".

Giving the Kenyan example, the Chiarperson of CPA said, "in Kenya, we have 47 seats set aside for women in every county, because we have 47 counties. So that, in every county, there is a seat reserved for women, there is ballot for only women in every county and we also do nomination by political parties which also adds up to the numbers of women.

"We have 349 members of Parliament in the Kenya National Assembly, of those, every county has at least one woman representing it, making it 47 women compulsorily. Then there are other 24 women who won through universal adult suffrage, competing with other contenders from their counties".

On youth inclusion in government, Hon. Muturi advised that, if they don't participate in the process of governance, their would be inadvertently electing those leaders that are not good.

"We have held numbers of seminars and conferences with the youths across the continent, where we bring them together to encourage them to participate in their own governance, because, if you don't participate, don't blame those that have been elected that they are not good, because, by not participating, you are actually participating in electing the bad ones.

"The youth should come out in their numbers. They are the largest components of the population in Africa and in my country in particular. My call to them is to challenge them to come out, this is their time, they should not wait for tomorrow. Let them come out and participate in electoral politics", Muturi added.

The executive committee of CPA, on Wednesday, also had in attendance, Speakers of Parliament in other African countries and their representatives, including, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila of Nigeria's House of Representatives.

By Patience Okai


House of Parliaments in Africa have been enjoined to learn the system and act of Parliament currently in practice in the National Assembly of Nigeria, for e-parliament, modern technology, transparency and accuracy.

Clerk of Namibia House of Parliament, Ms. Lydia Kandetu, stated this on Wednesday, when she led a session of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, African region to the National Assembly, Abuja.

Kandetu, after been conducted round the facilities around National Assembly complex and shown how plenaries are conducted in both chambers of Nigeria's Parliament, extolled the legendary displaced by Nigeria in terms of e-parliament and other facilities.

"We have learnt something from the Parliament of Nigeria today. It is a place of significance", Kandetu, who chaired the first session of the Society of Clerks-At-The-Table (SoCATT), told Journalists after the tour.

Particularly, Ms. Kandetu applauded Nigeria for installing time board and electronic voting machines for Members of Parliament during plenaries, this, she said would promote transparency, unity, accuracy and e-parliament.

"We went inside the chamber, obviously, the rules are very strict. Although we wanted to take some photos, because when you are coming to visit any other chamber of a country you want to learn more, you want to imitate, learn something to take back to your country.

"I have seen a picture inside the chamber, where they get a board that is showing a time, whenever Members are talking, a board that serves as a time keeper for Members which informs you when your time is up on a speech or whether you have few minutes left. That is very very good.

"I have seen also, that when they have elections, when the House is divided, they have to vote, there is also a board that is indicating who are for and who are against, and those that are abstaining, is very very important, so that in itself, is a process of unity, it is a process of fairness, no one will come and say I did not say I was abstaining, everything will be on the board", she said.

She added that, aside the CPA conference, some of the delegates from Commonwealth Parliament would be visiting Nigeria soonest, to learn more of the act of Parliament and governance, not forgetting the "rich cultural heritage of the country".

The Clerk to National Assembly of Nigeria, Mr. Ojo Olatunde Amos, on his part, explained the workings of the Parliament in Nigeria, the most populous African country.

Mr. Amos said the Nigeria's Parliament houses a lot of facilities, which include an "ICT centre that can accommodate all participants at the CPA conference; facilities for visual meetings", amongst others, assuring that the National Assembly complex could host a session of the SoCATT.

Nigeria currently practises a bicameral legislature, with the Upper legislative chamber, Senate, having 109 Members; while the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, houses 360 Members.

This is considered, as the largest House of Parliament in Africa, with sophisticated technologies for security and e-parliament.

By Yemi Itodo

Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Friday, accused Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) of causing a breach of peace in the state capital.

In a statement Friday evening, made available to newsmen by Mr. Julius Ishaya Lepes, the state's Commissioner for Information and Culture, Governor Yahaya also accused Goje of been responsible for the deaths of 2 youth during the Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration in the state.

"Gombe State Government has condemned in strongest term, the breach of peace in the state capital, caused by the visit of a former Governor of the state and Senator representing Gombe Central, Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje.

"The former Governor, in his characteristic manner, decided to mobilize thugs from various LGAs armed to their teeth under the pretext of accompanying him from the airport into the State capital, for reasons best known to him.

"Recall that during the last Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, the same person sponsored some thugs that threw caution into the wind and went on rampage, leading to loss of 2 lives.

"Also, just last week at Deba in Yamaltu, Deba LGA, the same scenario played out at the instance of the Senator.

"It is sad that Goje has not left his old ways and is bent on bringing back his brainchild (Kalare) to unleash mayhem and bug the peaceful atmosphere of Gombe State.

"Gombe state has been witnessing relative peace and harmony due largely to the determination and avowed commitment of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in that direction and therefore the government would not stand by and watch desperate politicians unleash terror and violence on innocent citizens to the extent of getting people killed.

"While sympathising with families of the victims, Government commends the security agencies for their timely intervention in bringing the ugly situation under control.

"His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as the Chief Security officer of the State, will not renege on his responsibilities and therefore will do everything necessary to protect the lives and property of the citizenry.

"Government will make sure that perpetrators of the unfortunate act, no matter how highly placed are brought to book", the statement reads.

Meanwhile, media aide to Senator Goje, Mrs. Lilian Nworie, had confirmed to journalists that some angry youths, suspected to be thugs, attacked the convoy of her Principal Friday morning.

Nworie said, some "political thugs" attacked the vehicle of the former governor and stopped him from entering Gombe, the state capital.

According to her, Goje left Abuja on Friday morning for a personal engagement in Gombe.