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Benue: Suswam, Akume, Gemade promise to accept results

FEARING possible breakdown of law and order following the outcome of the National Assembly election in Benue State, contestants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have promised to accept elections’ results in good faith.

It started when APC candidate for Benue Northeast Senatorial District, Senator Barnabas Gemade, visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Makurdi for senatorial election’s result.

The result ought to have been announced at the district office, Katsina Ala.

Gemade, a serving senator, who defected to APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he won convincingly, but other contestants were not satisfied with the outcome.

He spoke to reporters after a brief meeting with the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Istifanus Dafwang, early yesterday morning.

Gemade said the declaration of the result of the National Assembly election was transferred to the INEC headquarters as a result of reported threats of violence in the area.

He said: “I’m here to receive my result because the collation of the senatorial district in Benue Northeast Senatorial District has been brought to Makurdi.

“This is because the atmosphere in Katsina Ala was not conducive. Therefore, INEC ordered that all the various local governments should bring all the collated results to Makurdi and that’s why I’m here.

“There were threats that the office (collation centre) would be burnt down. I don’t know who was threatening, but there were threats against us in two local governments – Logo and Kanshisha local government areas.

“In fact, two offices were actually burnt. But luckily enough, the results were already taken out before the offices were burnt down.

“I won the election absolutely; very clear. But somehow, it appears that the losers are not quite happy and are chasing the wind to cause commotion and destruction.”

But, appearing later with Gemade and Senator George Akume after meeting with the REC few hours later, Governor Gabriel Suswam said he was at the INEC headquarters to lodge complaints over some irregularities during the polls.

He, however, promised to accept the outcome of the election as presented by the electoral body.

Saying election should not be a do-or-die, the governor implored other contestants to accept the result in good faith.

On his part, the Senate Minority Leader, who also won his senatorial district election, reiterated his trust in the governor to abide by the rule of law.

Akume assured that being a lawmaker, he would not take the law into his own hands over the outcome of the election.

Gemade also assured that he was ready to accept the election result as released by INEC.

The three contestants left the premises after some exchange of pleasantries and back-slapping.

March 31, 2015
Akume picks nomination form today

Senate Minority Leader George Akume will today pick the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial nomination form at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Akume seeks re-election as the representative of Benue North West in the Senate.

According to his media aide, Becky Orpin, the former governor would drive round Makurdi in a motorcade after picking his nomination.

Later in the day, a reception will hold at his Judges Quarters home in Makurdi, where he will address his supporters.

Akume has been unanimously endorsed by elders in Benue Northwest.

He has no opponent in the district. His opponent in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stepped down for him.

November 7, 2014
Kwara governor, Akume slam IG

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senate Minority Leader George Akume yesterday faulted the usurpation of the judiciary’s role by Acting Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba who withdrew House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s security.

The governor spoke in Ilorin. The senator issued a statement in Abuja.

Ahmed described the furore generated by the Speaker’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as uncalled for.

He said it was the business of the judiciary and not that of any other organ of government to interpret laws and the legal implication of political actions.

Ahmed questioned the constitutionality of the unilateral reduction in the allocations to states and local governments by the Federal Government, adding that it needed to be subjected to examination by the judiciary.

The governor spoke during the swearing-in of members of the reconstituted Kwara State Judicial Service Commission.

He said: “It is the business of the judiciary and not that of any other arm or organ of government to interpret laws of the land and the legal implication of political action, such as cross-carpeting at the National Assembly and indeed the executive.”

Ahmed said the unilateral reduction in the allocation due to states from the Federation Account, allegedly due to fluctuations in global oil prices and oil theft, were gradually impoverishing states and local governments.

His word: “If this situation is not addressed unequivocally and quickly, the next few months will prove even more difficult for our state and indeed all others that are burdened by the unsubstantiated cuts in the Federation Account allocation.”

Akume described the withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security as another “classic act of Executive impunity and lawlessness”.

This act only adds to several others which have characterised this administration and threatens the growth of democracy which is not measured by existence of democratic structures but by promotion of the rule of law.

“The hilarious recourse of the police to constitutional interpretation, which is the exclusive jurisdiction of the judiciary, is to say the least most unfortunate.

“One wonders why the police could only see and read S.68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution but was blind to subsection (2) of the same provision, which vests the power to declare a member’s seat vacant on the ground of defection to only the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“One also wonders why the police could not advise itself that since there are pending litigations on the subject matter, they should wait for the outcome of judicial interpretation on the contentious constitutional provision. Recently, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State defected to the PDP with all the Labour Party members of the House of Representatives and Ondo State House of Assembly, including its Speaker, but the police neither withdrew the Security detail of Governor Mimiko, the state Assembly Speaker, nor effected the removal of those members from the various legislative Houses.

“No one is in doubt that the police IG is merely being used by President Jonathan to achieve a partisan agenda. This is absurd. This is unlawful and immoral. It is particularly absurd because, President Jonathan only just returned from the Holy Land of Israel. He had travelled to Israel on Holy pilgrimage in company of CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and other men of God primarily to seek the favour of God in his re-election bid and also to pray for the overall progress of Nigeria.

“Nigeria expects on return a sober, penitent and spiritually-rejuvenated President. Not one brazenly desecrating the constitution he swore to uphold. The President is as much qualified for VIP protection as the Speaker is. The Speaker presides over an important Chamber in the legislative arm of government which appropriates the salaries the President and entire executive arm (which includes the Police) are paid from. A temperament such as this one exhibited by Mr. President can hardly pass for a Nigerian who more than any other, living or dead, has benefited from the parliament. By act of parliament, his boss was impeached as governor and he became the governor of Bayelsa State. By application of the doctrine of necessity, the Parliament made him an Acting President.

“He thus became both Governor and President without contesting election.

Nigerians expect reciprocal respect between the two arms of government, not politics of subterfuge and arm twisting. The Parliament has its rules to handle its affairs and the President must allow the House deal with its leadership issue.

“Let all people of Goodwill rise to condemn all acts which threaten the enhancement of democratic culture, values and ethos. This is one such occasions.”

November 3, 2014
Akume gets backing

Senate Minority Leader George Akume has been endorsed for a third term by All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Masev, Iharev and Nongov, also known as MINDA.

MINDA comprises the Tiv in the four local government areas (Makurdi, Guma, Gwer and Gwer west) making up Benue North West Senatorial District.

The stakeholders took the decision at a meeting held at the Makurdi home of Senator Joseph Waku at the weekend.

Chief Har Orpin urged the people of MINDA to loan the Zone B Senate seat to their Jemgba brothers, who he said would support MINDA to produce the next governor.

Speaking for MINDA people, Justice Bokon Ustaha said they had no choice but to support Akume.

Akume thanked them for their support and pledged never to disappoint them.

At the meeting were Mr Emmanuel Jime, Mr Mike Iyordye, Mr Akande Audu and House of Assembly members from MINDA.

October 27, 2014
Akume urges govt to tackle insecurity

Senate Minority Leader George Akume has said this year’s Independence anniversary has come at a time when all hopes appear lost.

He said in a statement yesterday: “Nigerians have been gripped by the fear of insecurity. Besides armed robbery, kidnapping and political assassination, insurgency has brought death to our footsteps. Government should tackle it.

“It is regrettable that a government, which came to power on the promise of providing fresh air, has not only failed to live up to its promise, but has also failed to justify its existence by providing the minimal constitutional expectations of any democratic government. “The President Goodluck Jonathan administration has failed to protect life and property.

Boko Haram started as a small rebel group, which the late President Umaru Yar’adua was poised to crush. His failing health and death robbed the nation of a patriotic leader. Under President Jonathan, Boko Haram has been provided with the enabling environment to prosper to such an extent that it has overpowered the Army and is a threat to international peace and security.

“Instead of providing Nigeria with fresh air, the government has polluted the air with an endless chain of scandals: The fuel subsidy scam in which top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) men featured with their children, the theft of $20 billion from our oil revenue and the illegal export to South Africa of $9.3 million by faceless people using a jet owned by the President’s friend, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

“The situation looks hopeless. I enjoin Nigerians not to lose hope but to rally round the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the only hope for the country. I advise Nigerians to vote for the APC so that we can save our great nation from doom.

“The PDP has failed woefully to solve Nigeria’s problems. It has failed because the government it has set up is not only incompetent, but is also corrupt and is led by people, who have no vision. It is only the APC that has the capacity to rescue the country from the abyss that the PDP government has plunged it into on its 54th anniversary as an independent nation.”

October 2, 2014
We’ve proved our enemies wrong, says Akume

Senate Minority Leader George Akume has said Nigeria still remains united in the face of several challenges and against the predictions of its enemies.

In a statement yesterday on the nation’s Democracy Day, the distinguished senator expressed joy that Nigeria had triumphed over major incidents that caused the downfall of some other nations.

He decried the poverty and insecurity, among other challenges, facing the nation.

The statement reads: “It is a thing of immense joy to me as I believe it is to every other peace-loving Nigerian as we mark yet another anniversary of our democratic experience. I wish to felicitate with all Nigerians on this important occasion.

“This year’s commemoration to me is very unique. It is for no other reason than that against the predictions of many, we remain a nation still united more than ever against the very evils that orchestrated the death of many other nations.

“Furthermore, this commemoration avails us an opportunity to reflect deeply on the character of our dear nation and to take stock of how well the democracy we celebrate today has served us. It will be untrue to say that we all are having it good and easy in the face of the prevailing circumstances, such as the daunting security challenges, the deplorable state of infrastructures, the rising hunger, poverty and general discontent, unemployment and corruption, among other negative economic indices.

“However, as we have shown, our unity is only getting strengthened by these many challenges and I am certain that if we can conquer these tempestuous times together, then there will be no nation greater than Nigeria.

“I, therefore, urge all of us to continue to hold the government accountable for its actions and inactions, remain resilient and steadfast in our quest for peace, tolerance, equity, justice and the change that is necessary to move this nation forward and ensure that it is an ideal and a safe place for all to dwell.”

May 30, 2014
Akume urges Boko Haram to embrace dialogue

Former Governor of Benue State, Sen. George Akume, has appealed to the members of the Boko Haram sect to drop their arms and embrace the Federal Government’s dialogue offer.

This is contained in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja.

“ I call on the insurgents to drop their arms and embrace the government’s offer of dialogue so that whatever grievances they have against the system will be addressed.

“I received with great shock, news of another bomb blast in Jos in which a number of unspecified people are reportedly killed,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Akume as saying in the statement.

The former governor said the recent spate of bombings which claimed the lives of many innocent Nigerians was clear evidence that the insurgents had unleashed terrorism on Nigeria.

“ Most disheartening is the kidnapping of young teenage schoolgirls and the announcement by the leader of Boko Haram that the girls would be sold into slavery.

“They simply want to destroy the democracy which Nigerians have fought for and which we are now trying to build.

“ I wish to remind them that Nigeria has come to stay and any attempt by the sect to destroy the country will fail.

“The new attempts to plunge our beloved country into yet another civil war will fail,” he said.

May 22, 2014
Court strikes out suit against APC, Akume, three others

Makurdi High Court, presided over by Justice Aondoaver Akaka’an, has struck out a suit brought by Alhaji Usman Abubarka and three others against Senator George Akume and the All Progressive Congress (APC) harmonization committee. Justice Kakaan upheld the preliminary objection of the defendants’ counsel, Barrister Emmanuel Agbakor, who questioned the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter and originating process, which he described as faulty and does not comply with the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004. Justice Kaka’an, in his ruling, stated that “nothing on originating process served on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (APC, APC Benue state, Gen. Ahmed Aboki, APC National Vice Chairman, North Central and Senator George Akume respectively were endorsed for service outside the jurisdiction as ordered by the court and is contrary to the mandatory provision of Sections 97 and 99 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act (Supra), Justice Kaka’an held.” He continued: “I put aside the service on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, and these being principal actors in the suit before me, my resolution of the order issues will be mere academic. “On the whole, however , having decided that the process served on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants were not properly served on them, and due to the fact that the plaintiff did not exhaust the domestic remedies available to them before coming to this court, this court shall have no jurisdiction. The preliminary objection is upheld in part, and the originating summons file before me is here by struck out,” Kakaan ruled.

April 12, 2014
Akume, lawmakers seek federal intervention

Senate Minority Leader George Akume and Tiv members in the House of Representatives yesterday urged Benue State and Federal Government to intervene to save Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), following clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers.

Akume, in a statement on behalf of Tiv lawmakers, lamented that the attacks had led to widespread destruction of property, including the home of the paramount ruler of the Tiv, Tor Tiv Akawe Torkula.

He said the IDPs, who live in schools and uncompleted buildings, face imminent outbreak of epidemic.

The statement reads: “Skirmishes between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen have been a common phenomenon for quite some time.

“But within the last few years, and more particularly, within the last one week, this relationship has taken a dimension that has never previously been witnessed.

“It started in parts of Gwer West Local Government, and spread to Makurdi Local Government and Guma Local Government, and towards parts of Logo and Kwande Local Government, all in Benue State.

“The attacks on the communities we represent are being carried out by armed groups.

“Survivors have told us that their attackers have automatic weapons far superior to those of the police.

“The attacks have led to widespread destruction of lives and property, including the home of the ruler of the Tiv, Tor Tiv Akawe Torkula.

“As at today, we are receiving reports about Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

“It is necessary for the Benue State government and the emergency relief agencies to organise relief efforts for those who displaced by the crisis.

“At present, these victims are staying in schools and in uncompleted houses.

“There are no medical facilities for them and there is fear of an impending outbreak of epidemics.

“We call on the Benue and federal governments to provide camps for the displaced citizens. In order to avert the outbreak of epidemics, these camps should be provided with potable water and medical facilities.

“The IDPs are also in need of food and clothing, as most of them left their homes empty handed.

“We also call on the Federal Government to note clashes between the cattlemen and sedentary farmers in the country. We appeal that we go back to the basics – particularly to the cattle tracks of old or a modification of same.

“These clashes have reached the point where they have become a serious national security problem.

“The information we have suggests that foreign mercenaries with heavy hardware are being used against the Tiv by the invaders.

“To us, these invaders are not the normal Fulani cattle breeders we know and who live with us.

“Both the Tiv and Fulani cattle rearers have enjoyed a long relationship, and this situation is rather tragic, unfortunate as it is capable of undermining this relationship.”

March 13, 2014
Fulani/Tiv clashes: Akume, House members seek urgent govt. intervention

Senate Minority Leader, George Akume and Tiv members in the House of Representatives Wednesday urged the Benue State and Federal Government to urgently intervene to save Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and their Tiv farmers.

Akume in a statement on behalf of the Tiv lawmakers in the National Assembly lamented that the attacks have led to widespread destruction of lives and property, including the country home of the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv Akawe Torkula.

He said the IDPs now living in primary schools and abandoned uncompleted buildings face imminent outbreak of epidemics as a result of the unsanitary environment.

The statement reads in part: “Skirmishes between Tiv sedentary farmers and nomadic Fulani pastoralists are a common phenomenon for quite some time now.

“But within the last few years, and more particularly, within the last one week, this relationship has taken a dimension that has never previously been witnessed.

“It started in parts of Gwer West LGA, and then spread to Makurdi LGA and eventually Guma LGA, and right now, it has spread towards parts of Logo and Kwande LGA, all in Benue State.

“The attacks on the communities we represent at the National Assembly are being carried out by well armed groups.

“Survivors of these vicious attacks have told us that their attackers have automatic weapons in their possession that are far superior to those of the Police.

“The attacks have led to widespread destruction of lives and properties, including the country home of the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, Tor Tiv Akawe Torkula.

“As at today, I am still receiving constant reports about Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from these affected areas.

“It is therefore necessary for the Benue State Government and the emergency relief agencies to organise massive relief efforts for those who have been displaced by the crisis.

“At present, these victims are staying in school buildings and abandoned or uncompleted houses.

“There are no medical facilities for them and there is fear of an impending outbreak of epidemics.

“We are now faced with a humanitarian situation of monumental proportions.

“We therefore call on the Benue and Federal Governments to intervene immediately and provide camps for the displaced citizens. In order to avert the outbreak of epidemics, these camps should be provided with potable water and medical facilities.

“The IDP are also in dire need of food and clothing as most of them left their homes virtually empty handed.

“For now we commend the efforts of the Catholic Church, particularly the Parish Priest of Daudu Mission Fr Solomon Ukeyima who have done a lot to assist the displaced persons.

“Both the Federal and State governments have a constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of these citizens.

“There is therefore the need to beef up security in the affected areas.

“We also call the attention of the Federal Government to the incessant clashes between the cattlemen and sedentary farmers all over the country, not just the Tiv. We appeal that we go back to the basics – particularly to the cattle tracks of old or a modification of same.

“These clashes have reached the point where they have become a serious National Security problem.

“The information at our disposal suggests that foreign mercenaries with heavy military hardware are being used against Tiv people by the invaders.

“To us, these invaders are not the normal Fulani cattle breeders we have come to know and who have lived with us over the years.

“Both the Tiv and Fulani cattle rearers have enjoyed a long standing relationship that dates back to time immemorial, and this current situation is rather tragic, unfortunate as it is capable of undermining this long standing relationship.

“All sides must work assiduously towards de escalation of tension for our mutual benefit.”

March 12, 2014