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Tag: Benue State

  • Benue relocates illegal motor parks to decongest Makurdi city

    Benue relocates illegal motor parks to decongest Makurdi city

    The Benue State Government has constituted a committee to relocate illagal motor parks to decongest and boost the aesthetics of Makurdi city.

    The committee to address the proliferation of illegal roadside motor parks in the state capital was inaugurated on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    Mr Yusuf Suleiman, Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Commercial Transportation and Monitoring, inaugurated the committee.

    Suleiman expressed worry over the indiscriminate operation of illegal motor parks, adding that the situation was unacceptable.

    The PSA said the surge of illegal motor parks was creating unnecessary traffic, pointing out that the committee would tackle the menace.

    He also disclosed that with the rise in fuel price, the state government was working on introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to enabled vehicles and electric-powered commercial vehicles to cushion the spike in transportation.

    Suleiman said the committee would have representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Association of Private Motor Park Owners, the National Union of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA).

    Others would be from the Federal Road Safety Corps. (FRSC), the Tricycle Riders Association, Benue State Fire Service, and some government appointees.

    Mr Ioryue Yajir, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government Monitoring and Coordination, commended the steps taken to bring sanity into the worrisome situation.

    Mr Godwin Malu, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and Internal Affairs, assured transport workers of improved security on the highways.

    The Vice Chairman, Makurdi Local Government Council, Mr Maxwell Ador, said the council would support the state government to relocate all illegal motor parks to designated parks.

    Mr Lawal Ishola, who spoke for the FRSC, tasked road users to adhere to road safety measures to avoid accidents, especially during the festive season.

    All stakeholders pledged to collaborate with the government in tackling the issue of illegal roadside motor parks.

  • Benue PDP constitutes 55-member reconciliation committee

    Benue PDP constitutes 55-member reconciliation committee

    The Benue chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a 55-member reconciliation committee to reconcile all aggrieved members after the congresses.

    The State Chairman, Mr Ezekiel Adaji, who inaugurated the committee at an expanded stakeholders meeting on Monday in Makurdi, urged them to take the assignment seriously.

    Adaji said members of the committee were people of proven integrity and were trusted to do a good job.

    The chairman charged them to be meticulous in their assignment by listening to all aggrieved party members during their assignment and being fair to all.

    “The committee members were carefully selected, two each from the 23 local government areas and three women each from the three senatorial districts, all totalling 55.

    “The committee members from the three senatorial districts would choose their chairman and secretary,” he stated.

    Adaji said that shortly after the state congress and their inauguration, the party was evicted from their old secretariat, but Chief Samuel Ortom gave the party another secretariat.

    He told the stakeholders that the ward, LG, and state congresses in the state were all approved by the national secretariat of their party.

  • Gov Alia reinstates suspended Attorney General

    Gov Alia reinstates suspended Attorney General

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has lifted the suspension on the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Fidelis Mnyim.

    Alia announced the reinstatement on Monday in Makurdi during the state executive council meeting, which he presided over.

    The AG was suspended on October 23. He was suspended for his unilateral decision to include Benue as a party in the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, briefed newsmen after the meeting.

    Kula said that Mnyim was recalled from his suspension after he withdrew the state from the list of states seeking the constitutionality of the laws establishing the two anti-graft agencies.

    He said the commissioner met the requirements for his reinstatement.

    “The council approved a counterpart funding of N30.2bn, representing 60 per cent, for the construction of five rural roads across the three senatorial zones.

    “The roads for construction are Awajir/Oju, Adikpo/Kotiyo/Vandeikya, Ushongo/Har, Igwumale/Agila, and Obagaji/Okokolo/Agagbe roads.

    “The sum of N567 million was approved as compensation for members of the Mbagwa and Mbawa communities of Makurdi Local Government for their lands earmarked for the federal housing estate project.

    “The council also resolved to domesticate the Disability Act in the state for persons with disabilities as well as approve a donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    “The council approved the establishment of the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to regulate signposts, billboards, and other advertisement activities,” he said.

    Kula said that the council observed a minute silence in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff.

  • JUST IN: Flood sparks humanitarian crisis in Benue, 770 households displaced

    JUST IN: Flood sparks humanitarian crisis in Benue, 770 households displaced

    No fewer than 770 households have been displaced by flood in Benue due to the rising water level that overflowed the banks of the River Benue, sparking a humanitarian crisis in the State.

    Mr Aondowase Kunde, Benue Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.

    Kunde who is also the Chairman, Flood and Disaster Management Committee,  said that Makurdi was worse hit by the flood. He said that the displaced persons were taking refuge in temporary camps.

    “In most local government areas people  managed to stay beyond the river banks, but in Makurdi, approximately 770 households were displaced.

    “About 520 displaced households are taking shelter in  NKST Primary School Wadata, while 250 are in Gaadi Comprehensive Secondary School.

    “These individuals have been provided with  food and non-food items, including mattresses, containers, and rice, with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) offering continued support over the past two weeks.

    He expressed hope that with the receding water levels, the displaced persons should be able to return to their homes by next week.

    Kunde stated that the governor had ordered another assessment of the affected areas to confirm whether they were habitable.

    The commissioner said that some homes may need fumigation for potential dangerous reptiles like snakes as well as insects.

    “As a temporary measure, the governed directed that we should assess and repair flood-damaged houses and ensure that they are well maintained before residents return to their homes.

    “However, the government’s long-term plan is to construct houses in safer areas and relocate those living in flood-prone areas. The governor is committed to addressing these challenges, including post-flood recovery,” he said.

  • Benue withdraws from suit challenging EFCC legality

    Benue withdraws from suit challenging EFCC legality

    The Benue State Government has withdrawn from the suit challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) currently before the Supreme Court.

    The withdrawal was contained in an application obtained on Friday in Makurdi. The application was dated October 23 and signed by Mr Fidelis Mnyim for the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order. The Supreme Court has reserved judgement on the suit that was initially instituted by 19 states.

    “Take notice that the Attorney General of Benue State, who is the 8th plaintiff, hereby discontinues this suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the defendant.” it reads.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Hyacinth Alia had on Wednesday suspended the attorney general indefinitely for joining the state in the suit without his consent.

    “The suspension was necessitated by Mnyim’s ultra vires decision to join the state in a suit challenging the legality of anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

    “No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally. No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must resort to due consultations with me or appropriately brief me and seek my permission before acting, especially in a sensitive matter such as this.

    “My administration is holding accountable those who embezzled money and drained our state dry. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort.

    “How can I now turn around and begin to challenge these watchdogs? I did not permit him to enter an appearance for the state.

    “Because he acted on his own, I hereby suspend him indefinitely pending a satisfactory explanation of his actions,” he said.

  • How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday said that the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue South), misinformed the Senate over the just concluded local government election in the state.

    Alia stated this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi. The governor recalled that Moro, while moving a motion on the floor of the Senate, described the election as a charade and sham.

    He also recalled that the lawmaker also called for the suspension of federal allocations to local councils in the state.

    Alia stated that the election was conducted in strict compliance with democratic principles and existing electoral laws.

    According to him, Moro’s attempt to paint the elections as a sham was rooted in a known personal vendetta rather than a genuine concern for the democratic process.

    “The elections were conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and were widely recognised as credible and violence free.

    “Their collective actions, as usual, seem to serve a singular agenda of discrediting the current people-orientated administration in Benue rather than addressing the needs and concerns of their constituents

    “Furthermore, that crooked outing on the floor of the hallowed chambers once more projected their known pattern of treachery.

    “This is not the first instance where Moro and his colleagues from the state have sought to undermine the administration,” he said.

    The governor pointed out that the video used by Moro to support his claims was nothing more than a poorly orchestrated attempt to discredit the Benue Government.

    He said that the lawmaker and his colleagues from Benue must recognise that their actions were alienating them from their constituents.

    “It is crucial for these politicians to reflect on their roles and the trust placed in them. A genuine apology to their constituents and a commitment to serve rather than sabotage could be their path back to relevance,” he added.

  • APGA kicks, calls for cancellation of Benue LG election

    APGA kicks, calls for cancellation of Benue LG election

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called for the immediate cancellation of the just concluded Local Government (LG) polls in Benue State.

    The Benue Chairman of APGA, Mr Joseph Ogli, made the call in an interaction with newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

    Ogli said that APC winning all 23 local government areas in the election was an embarrassment to the state and to Gov. Hyacinth Alia.

    He said over N6 billion was released to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the conduct of the election that did not hold.

    According to him, candidates were forced to pay between N250, 000 and N500, 000 outside screening fees, which different political parties paid.

    “APGA in the state encouraged its’ members to contest for the local government election on the ground that Benue has a clergy and a priest as governor.

    “We believed that he would provide a level playing field for all political parties to contest in state.

    “We were shocked that a clergy can conduct an election that APGA or any other political party cannot win a councillor were we had popularity.

    “This is purely a setback for our democracy and a miscarriage for the third arm of government.

    “We are calling on all lovers of democracy to speak against this “afternoon robbery” called an election by the BSIEC chairman who has succeeded in destroying the integrity of the governor,” Ogli said.

    Ogli said the party candidate, Mrs Winifred Azumi, the chairmanship candidate for Agatu Local Government area, would seek legal redress in court and called on their supporters to remain calm.

  • What Gov Alia told newly sworn in Benue LG Chairmen

    What Gov Alia told newly sworn in Benue LG Chairmen

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state. Alia, during the ceremony on Monday in Makurdi, tasked the new council chairmen with accountability and transparency.

    Recall that the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Sunday declared the results of local government elections held on Saturday. The results indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates won all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats.

    The governor urged them to be responsible, work for the people, and be mindful of all they do, stating that granting autonomy to the LG has its consequences.

    He said no tier of government works in isolation and advised them to collaborate with the state and federal governments for effective service delivery.

    Alia charged them to work diligently, provide leadership, and uphold the highest standards of governance in their respective councils.

    The governor further described the APC as serious and urged them not to disappoint the electorates who voted massively for their victories.

    Alia advised the new council chiefs to focus on bringing democratic deliverables to the people and to always remain in their respective areas of assignments.

    “This event marks a significant movement in the life and future of LG administration in Benue, especially as it concerns people at the grassroots who came out in their numbers on Saturday overwhelmingly to choose you at the polls.

    “Be reminded that leadership is about service and sacrifice and not personal glory. I urged you to always collaborate with us at the state level in order to implement policies and programmes that benefit our rural communities,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Mr Dennis Guda, Chairman, Vandiekya LG, promised to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    Guda said they would also be loyal to the APC, uphold its constitution, and collaborate with the state government to succeed.

  • Alia commends Benue people over peaceful LG polls

    Alia commends Benue people over peaceful LG polls

    Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended Benue people for their peaceful and overwhelming support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the Saturday local government elections.

    Alia gave the commendation in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi.

    The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has declared APC winner of all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats.

    Alia, in the statement, described the outcome of the elections as a reflection of the maturity of the Benue people to engage in a democratic process with respect and dignity.

    The governor commended the people for upholding peace and unity, which were critical to the progress of the state.

    “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation in the recent elections across our 23 local governments.

    “Your commitment to exercising your franchise in a peaceful and civil manner is commendable and reflects the maturity of our democracy.

    “The successful conduct of these elections, free from violence, is a testament to our collective resolve to uphold the values of peace and unity that are fundamental to our progress as a state.

    “I am proud to see our citizens trooping out to make their voices heard, demonstrating that we can engage in the democratic process with respect and dignity.” he said

    Alia emphasised the support given to the APC candidates as an indication that the people of the state appreciate his vision to take the state to more enviable heights.

    The governor assured that his administration was ready to continue to deliver on the terms of the social contract he has in place with the people of the state.

    He further promised to build a prosperous Benue, where every citizen would have the opportunity to thrive.

    Alia congratulated the winners for their victories and urged those who lost to join hands with the winners and his administration to move the state forward.

  • APC commends BSIEC for transparent polls

    APC commends BSIEC for transparent polls

    The Benue chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has commended the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.

    APC State Caretaker Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omale, told newsmen in Makurdi that the process was going smoothly. Omale expressed optimism that his party would emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.

    “The assessment has been good. The governor has done one of the great things that has ever happened in Benue by enabling one of the best local government elections in the state. This is the seventh polling unit that I have visited, and so far everywhere is peaceful and calm, and the turnout is commendable.

    “We are very hopeful of victory. We have all the structures and supporters on the ground to achieve the goal,” he said.

    Though the turnout was low and some polling units voting commenced late, the exercise was hitch-free. Meanwhile, there was massive deployment of security personnel in polling units, streets, and major highways within the state capital.