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Tag: Benue

  • APC clinches all 23 LG chairmanship seats in Benue

    APC clinches all 23 LG chairmanship seats in Benue

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched all 23 local government chairmanship seats in the local government elections conducted in Benue on Saturday.

    The Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Mr Richard Tombowua, announced the results on Sunday in Makurdi.

    Tombowua said that the APC also won all 276 councillorship seats in the state.

    The chairman said that the election held in all the 5,102 polling units in the state spread across 276 council wards in the 23 local governments.

    According to him, the results brought in by the 23 local government electoral officers show that APC won all the seats, which were keenly contested by five other political parties.

    “A total of eight political parties participated in the elections, but in the field only five participated, which are APC, APGA, LP, PDP, and SDP.

    “There is no local government where there was a candidate that was returned unopposed; every local government election is contested the same thing with the ward council,” he said.

  • Benue LG polls a litmus test for 2027 – PDP Chairman

    Benue LG polls a litmus test for 2027 – PDP Chairman

    Mr Ezekiel Adaji, Benue State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says that the party would use Saturday’s local government polls as a litmus test for 2027.

    Adaji stated this on Friday in Makurdi when he took over the leadership of the party in the state.

    The chairman expressed confidence that the party would win overwhelming on Saturday to herald the party’s successes in subsequent elections.

    According to him, the council polls will send a signal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that in 2027 it will no longer be in power.

    “We are highly prepared for tomorrow’s election, and we will not leave any stone unturned to enable us to achieve victory.

    “Benue is a PDP state; therefore, the man occupying the government house now is a caretaker. We will push him out in 2027.

    “We had a peaceful state congress on Thursday at the instance of the PDP national secretariat.

    “They conducted the election and subsequently inaugurated the new state working committee immediately after the exercise.

    “We are here to hit the ground running ahead of the local government elections,” he said.

  • God told me not to contest election in 2027 – Ortom

    God told me not to contest election in 2027 – Ortom

    The immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said that God told him not to contest any election in 2027.

    Ortom made the disclosure on Tuesday in Makurdi when People’s Democracy Party (PDP) G-14 members paid him a courtesy visit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that G-14 members are elders of the PDP in the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas in Benue.

    The former governor said that he had no option but to respect God’s wish.

    He admitted that he failed to consult God before joining the 2023 election, hence his defeat.

    Ortom stated that the PDP was determined to take over the Benue Government House in 2027.

    “I’m not contesting the 2027 election. I knew why I lost the election in 2023. I didn’t consult God. My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without consulting God.

    “God has revealed everything to me. He has asked me to wait for him,” he said.

    Ortom further disclosed that while serving the state as governor, he made far-reaching sacrifices, including abandoning his family and friends at some point for state matters.

    The former governor promised to continue to support the party, adding that no one’s ambition should be above the interest of the party.

    According to him, after he left office, he wanted to go on sabbatical, but the elders objected.

    Ortom said nobody has the powers to disband the revered PDP G-14 group, not even him as the leader of the party.

    “As a leader of the party in the state, I lack the powers to dissolve the group. So nobody can disband this group.

    “G-14 is the elders forum of the PDP in Benue. If anything must happen, I must know first because I am the leader,” he said.

    On the forthcoming congresses, he said, the national secretariat had already approved the ward and local government congresses of Benue, adding that the state congress would hold on October 3rd.

    He said he had already spoken to Sen. Gabriel Suswam and Sen. Abba Moro, and they agreed to encourage consensus as much as they could because they were in opposition.

    The Chairman of PDP G-14, Dr Laha Dzever, declared full support for the Ortom-led leadership.

    Dzever said that they came to again pledge their support for his leadership and promised to work for the peace and unity of the party.

    The chairman stated that in politics there must be occasional disagreements, stressing that the current internal squabble in the party would only make it stronger.

    He commended Ortom for his relentless efforts in making sure that the PDP remained a major and united party in the state.

    On their purported dissolution, Dzever said that nobody selected the group, which was formed in 2015 as part of our efforts to ensure that the party did not collapse after losing elections.

    “The only person that can disband us is the leader of the party in the state, and that is Chief Ortom. You alone can only disband what you have formed.” He said.

  • Alia hands over truck of diverted palliatives to EFCC, ICPC

    Alia hands over truck of diverted palliatives to EFCC, ICPC

    Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue has handed over a truck load of palliatives, he confiscated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for investigation.

    This is contained in a press statement  by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, which was made available in Makurdi on Wednesday.

    Alia in the statement, while handing over the palliatives to the anti-graft agencies urged them to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

    NAN recalls that a truck conveying palliatives meant for IDPs in the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency was caught offloading same at a private residence along Kilometre 2 in Makurdi.

    Also recall that the governor upon discovery of the incident confiscated the truck and moved it to Government House to ascertain why palliatives meant for Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency were being offloaded in a private residence in Makurdi.

    According to the statement, checks later revealed that the palliatives, which were loaded from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, had found their way to a private residence under the directives of Mr Terseer Ugbor, the representative of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency.

    Alia, who admitted that he ordered the truck to be impounded at government house, said he wanted to know why goods released from NEMA for distribution to IDPs in Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency were being offloaded at a private residence in Makurdi.

    He stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the goods were coming from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and were meant to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    The governor, who spoke to NEMA headquarters upon his return from the United Kingdom, expressed displeasure over the discoveries of some hidden facts regarding the matter.

    “In a letter from NEMA headquarters addressed to the representative of the Kwande/Ushongo constituency, Terseer Ugbor, who actually lobbied for the materials, the agency specified that the state government should pay for the expenses of lifting the materials in Jos, and that the materials should be taken to the state by NEMA and handed over to SEMA.”the statement stated.

    Alia, who  said other trucks conveying other materials such as mattresses were still missing, urged anti-graft agencies to liaise with a three-man committee from the state and conduct a thorough investigation to uncover more facts.

    He said the materials were to be distributed directly to the affected persons by officials from the Agency’s North Central Zonal Office in collaboration with the Benue SEMA team.

    He  called on the Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, officers of the EFCC, and a few others to monitor the situation and ensure that due process was followed and that the materials were distributed to the rightful people.

    The governor thanked President Bola  Tinubu for having Benue people at heart, calling on National Assembly members to consider the conditions of vulnerable people in their state and ensure that they provide for their constituents whatever the federal government gives.

    The statement noted that NEMA leadership in a phone conversation with Alia  thanked him for being vigilant and also promised to continue to collaborate with the state government to ensure the fair distribution of any materials coming from the federal government.

  • Gov Alia swears-in first Benue female SSG

    Gov Alia swears-in first Benue female SSG

    Gov Hyacinth Alia on Thursday sworn in Serumun Aber as the first  female Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, Gov Alia said he had confidence in her ability to succeed on the given mandate.

    He said her responsibilities include ensuring the effective coordination of activities, fostering collaboration across ministries, driving policies and initiative that would led to the sustainable development of Benue state.

    He expressed confidence that with the new SSG, his administration would continue to build a Benue that would be prosperous, inclusive and focused on delivering tangible benefits to the citizens.

    He said his administration recognised the important roles women play in society, adding that her appointment as the first female SSG reflected his government’s determination to elevate merit and diversity in leadership.

    “As the first woman ever to be appointed as SSG in Benue State, Barrister Aber’s appointment is a testament to the confidence I and indeed this administration have in the abilities of the women of Benue.

    “We recognize the important roles women play in our society and this appointment reflects our determination to elevate merit and diversity in leadership,” the governor said.

    He called on public servants, stakeholders and the entire people of Benue to give the new SSG and his administration the needed support to succeed.

    Gov Alia explained that her background made her to qualify for the position and expressed hope that she would execute her duties with the highest level of integrity, dedication and affection.

    In her response, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Serumun Aber, appreciated God and Gov. Alia for the opportunity given her to serve the state as the first female SSG.

    Aber promised to pilot the affairs of her office with diligence and dedication in line with the administration’s blueprint, setting the foundation for a better and more prosperous Benue.

    She said her role was to ensure that the seven points agenda of Gov Alia were implemented  by working closely with the governor, public servants and other critical stakeholders towards building a prosperous future for Benue.

    The SSG explained that as a mother she understood the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where every voice was heard.

  • NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other states

    NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other states

    NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other statesThe National National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned of impending flood in Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

    The agency advised other States in the central and southern parts to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

    Some of the actions to be taken to mitigate the impact of the flood, according to NEMA, include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuation from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

    The agency in a statement on Thursday night by the Head of Press Unit of NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel said: “Following the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises states in the central and southern parts to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

    “The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.

    “Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.”

    On the expected actions to mitigate the impact, the agency stated: “Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds”.

    It also adviced communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

    “NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.

    “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding.”

  • Alia expresses sadness over fresh killings in Benue

    Alia expresses sadness over fresh killings in Benue

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has expressed sadness over another unprovoked attack on Ayati Village in Ukum Local Government Area, where many people were reportedly killed.

    Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, condemned the new wave of attacks.

    The governor, who expressed worry over the attack on unarmed innocent citizens by armed bandits, said that such heinous acts have continued in the state despite the strong security presence.

    He, however, makes a firm determination to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum, which has been on the front lines of attacks lately.

    Alia called on security agencies to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.

    The governor condoled with the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate attack and prayed God to comfort them.

    He assured the people that his administration would continue to explore both discreet and open measures with a view to ensuring that Sankera retraces her path of peace and lives happily again.

  • Just in: Fear grips Benue residents as herdsmen reportedly kill 30

    Just in: Fear grips Benue residents as herdsmen reportedly kill 30

    No fewer than 30 persons are feared dead and many more missing following a joint attack on Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

    According to sources in the area, the attack was carried out by a combined force of armed herdsmen and local bandits, who descended upon the unsuspecting community on Friday.

    The sources revealed that the number of casualties could be much higher, as many residents are still unaccounted for, while others fled the area in fear for their lives.

    The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police has confirmed the attack.

    Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, acknowledged that police personnel are on the ground, but she has yet to receive a briefing on the matter.

    Details shortly…

  • Stakeholders raise alarm over deplorable state of PHCs in Benue

    Stakeholders raise alarm over deplorable state of PHCs in Benue

    The Benue state government has been tasked to immediately address the deplorable state of Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) affecting several communities across the state.

     

    The call for action follows an investigative report by Premium Times disclosing that PHCs in Otukpo, Logo, Ohimini, And Vandeikya local government areas (LGAs) of the state do not meet the minimum standard or non-existent thereby making access to health care a life-threatening ordeal and hellish.

     

    The Managing Director of The Comforter and Diagnostic Centre, Dr Ola Golden, urged the Benue State government to quickly intervene in the plight of rural dwellers while asking citizens to hold their leaders to account.

     

    The medical practitioner made the call during an anti-corruption radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    He stressed that the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led government must prioritize primary health care as it is the most basic port of care while identifying that much effort is required to change how PHCs are managed in Nigeria.

     

    Dr. Golden lamented that PHCs are unfortunately not insulated from the pervasive corruption ravaging several sectors in Nigeria, adding that citizens must take advantage of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments by demanding accountability from leaders at that level.

     

    His words: “The state government (Benue) should know that health is wealth and without health every other thing they budget for is nothing. They should take the health system as their primary responsibility.

     

    “The local and the state governments should be held accountable because now that there is a law that makes payments to the local government directly, now is the time to hold them accountable.

     

    “Before now, it has always been the state government that had been covering up the inactivity of the local government areas, but now that they’ll be paying them directly, it is time to hold them to account.

     

    “It will take a whole lot of effort to be able to change the way the primary health care is being run generally in this country. Until such a time where the healthcare workers are being encouraged to stay near where people are, it will be a waste of money to keep building different types of structures around the country in the name of primary healthcare centers”.

     

    On his part, Project Associate at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Uchenna Igwe, urged the Benue state government to act on the investigation and ensure there is value for funds allocated to the PHCs.

     

    While regretting that citizens are at the receiving end of the deplorable state of PHCs, Igwe stressed that “health facilities at rural communities are perpetually set up to fail.”

     

    He said: “The major problems of PHCs remain poor funding, corruption, and mismanagement,” hoping that the financial autonomy granted to LGAs across Nigeria will improve the poor state of healthcare at the grassroots.

     

    A Benue state-based investigative journalist, Manasseh Mbachii, called on the state government for a swift intervention while decrying the lack of action despite investigations exposed that PHCs in Otukpo, Logo, Ohimini, And Vandeikya LGAs are either dilapidated, non-existent or unfit for human use.

     

    Mbachii also identified corruption, lack of accountability, and monitoring by government agencies as major factors compounding the woes of rural dwellers in accessing health care at PHCs in the North-central state.

     

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Minimum Wage: Osun, Benue governors promise to pay N70,000 to workers

    Minimum Wage: Osun, Benue governors promise to pay N70,000 to workers

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has promised to pay workers the new minimum wage of N70,000, emphasizing that their welfare is his priority. He made this assurance through his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Adeleke stated that once the National Assembly passes the bill and all formalities are completed, the state government will comply because “it has become a law.” He added, “Our governor is a lover of workers; his first agenda is to prioritize the welfare of workers, both active and non-active. Governor Adeleke will not be among the defaulters of the new minimum wage. Osun State will never deviate from the law on minimum wage.”

    This follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a new national minimum wage of N70,000 during a meeting with organized labor. While labor initially demanded N250,000, the government proposed N60,000 before the president settled on N70,000.

    Similarly, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured workers that his administration is ready to pay the new minimum wage. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, Alia stated that his administration has closed financial leakages, enabling the state to afford the N70,000 minimum wage.

    Alia remarked, “Though the harsh economy has stagnated things, our plans and measures have increased our internally generated revenue. It’s now left for us to close all loopholes to see how much we can cash in to do other things, including paying salaries. With our focus, we can pay the minimum wage. With all purpose and intent, what is agreed by the Federal Government, we sub-nationals should be able to follow. Without the workforce, any government lacks centeredness in governance. So, we need to pay our civil servants according to what is approved by the Federal Government and organized labor.”