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  • Ribadu, DSS boss, Alia, Inuwa others harp on unity as Hayab’s daughter weds in Kaduna

    Ribadu, DSS boss, Alia, Inuwa others harp on unity as Hayab’s daughter weds in Kaduna

    Prominent Nigerian leaders have harped on the need for national unity through peaceful cohesion as a panacea to sustainable growth and development in the country.

    The leaders, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director-General of the Department of State Services Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Inuwa Yahaya, among others, made the call in Kaduna at the weekend during the wedding ceremony of Josephine Tirnok, first daughter of Northern CAN chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and her husband Shadrach Ojima-Ojo.

    NSA Ribadu, who served as the father of the day, was represented by the DG DSS, who was also the special guest of honour alongside the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, while Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia served as the chairman of the occasion.

    The leaders urged citizens to embrace mutual respect and collaboration, stressing that national development and peace require collective commitment.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Alia, represented by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ngbea, a federal commissioner with the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Nasarawa, Benue, and Plateau States, lauded the couple for their union and reminded them to anchor their marriage on faith, moral values, and the support of loved ones.

    Alia said marriage was an institution by God and admonished the couple to build their home on God’s foundation that can never fail.

    In his remarks, Governor Inuwa said that marriage is the most important institution in the world and urged the couple to make their home a model of peace, while lamenting that failure in most homes has contributed to many challenges facing the country.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, tasked the couple to distinguish between the excitement of the wedding day and the lifelong responsibility of marriage and advised them to prepare for the realities of commitment, forgiveness, and growth, and to rely on their strong Christian backgrounds, family support, and faith in God.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the father of the bride and chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, urged Nigerian parents to embrace intercultural marriages as a pathway to healing the country’s divisions.

    Describing the union as a symbolic model of the harmony Nigeria needs, Hayab said intercultural and interreligious marriages remain practical tools for breaking barriers and building trust among diverse communities. He urged parents to allow their children to choose partners based on love and compatibility rather than tribe or religion.

    He explained that the peace Nigerians seek must begin from the home, noting that families that embrace diversity contribute directly to national stability.

    He encouraged his daughter and her husband to build a home founded on patience and understanding, stressing that strong marriages evolve through growth and sacrifice. Hayab, who marks thirty years of marriage in two days, expressed confidence that his daughter would build an even stronger one.

    Others present at the occasion included the representative of the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff Mallam Sani Kila Liman; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sanbuwa Balarabe; Commissioners of the Kaduna State Government; Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung; Mayor of Leeds and wife of Senator Marshall Katung; Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Board, Mr. Jerry Adams; Hafsatu Aminu Ashiru, Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor; Mrs. Charity Shekari, wife of the late former Deputy Governor Stephen Shekari; local government chairmen; religious leaders, among others.

  • PAP: Critics misread Alia’s remarks on Benue crisis

    PAP: Critics misread Alia’s remarks on Benue crisis

    The Pathfinder Arewa Project (PAP) has attributed the backlash against Governor Hyacinth Alia’s refusal to label the recent killings in Benue State as “genocide against Christians” to misinterpretation and a politically charged atmosphere.

    In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, PAP Chairman Abdulhamid Jakadan said the governor’s comments, which drew criticism from political opponents and interest groups, were intended to promote accuracy in language and responsible governance.

    Jakadan explained that Alia’s position was guided by the “central importance of accurate diagnosis,” emphasizing that mischaracterizing the conflict could exacerbate an already fragile situation.

    Governor Alia had told participants at a National Human Rights Commission consultative forum in Abuja on November 20 that while Benue faced serious security challenges, the situation did not amount to genocide against Christians. His remarks sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing him of insensitivity.

    PAP, however, argued that those framing the killings as genocide “failed to understand the heavy implications of applying the genocide label,” noting that the term carries substantial legal, moral, and diplomatic consequences.

    “The word genocide invokes international instruments, attracts global scrutiny, and imposes obligations on states to investigate, prosecute, provide reparations, and resettle victims. It is not a term for rhetorical flourish,” the statement said.

    Jakadan maintained that the governor’s caution was not an attempt to downplay the suffering in the state, but a call for precision in a complex security environment. According to him, “Alia’s insistence that Benue’s crisis does not meet that standard is not a denial of the suffering of his people. Rather, it is a call for accuracy.”

    PAP stressed that the violence in Benue is driven by multiple actors and motives, including criminal gangs, land disputes, banditry, attacks by heavily armed groups, agro-pastoralist clashes, and opportunistic killers exploiting porous borders and weak security structures.

    It warned that branding the situation as “Christian genocide” risks oversimplifying a multi-layered crisis, erasing other victims, and hindering targeted security interventions.

    The group also highlighted the governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership, saying his refusal to adopt a sectarian frame ensures that “the pain of displaced families, victims of diverse backgrounds, children, women, farmers and traders must all count.”

    It cautioned that reducing the conflict to religious lines could inflame tensions, trigger reprisals, and obstruct reconciliation efforts. While acknowledging that some political actors may benefit from amplifying a genocide narrative, PAP said such “reductionism may serve immediate political calculations but could imperil long-term peace and social cohesion.”

    The group noted that over-labelling conflicts can backfire by provoking retaliation, scaring off investors, undermining humanitarian support, weakening federal collaboration, and inviting destabilizing external pressure.

    It commended Governor Alia for refusing to “weaponize grief,” describing his approach as a commitment to inclusive politics and practical security measures rather than symbolic declarations.

    According to PAP, the governor’s position aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader efforts to confront national security challenges.

    The group added that it is possible to “grieve, demand justice, cry for victims and yet refuse to inflame sectarian passions.”

    “For Benue to rise,” the statement concluded, “it must rebuild communities, reclaim farmlands, restore trust, resettle the displaced, prosecute criminals, and restore hope beyond mere survival.”

  • Alia commends Tinubu, Naval Chief for renewed security push in Benue

    Alia commends Tinubu, Naval Chief for renewed security push in Benue

    • By Angula Bishop Reuben

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, for his renewed commitment to deepening security collaboration with the state.

    The governor made the remarks during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement shared on his official social media platforms.

    Governor Alia said he met the Naval Chief to express appreciation for his recent visit to Benue State and for the Navy’s increasing support amid ongoing internal security challenges across the Middle Belt.

    He also congratulated Vice Admiral Abass on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising what he described as the President’s “exemplary leadership” in advancing national security.

    The Governor recalled that the CNS had visited Makurdi on 11th November, 2025 as part of a nationwide operational tour, marking his first official stop since assuming office. Makurdi was selected due to the strategic importance of the newly established Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), which is headquartered in Benue.

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    During the visit, the naval chief inspected key military facilities, including the Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre, and the temporary site of the Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi.

    Governor Alia also noted that the establishment of the NNSOC stemmed from a request he made in 2024 during an official visit to the former Chief of Naval Staff, where he sought the approval for a Type A Nigerian Navy Operational Base in the state.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with national security institutions to ensure “sustained peace, stability, and the protection of all our people.”

    Governor Alia also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in the fight against terrorism and other security threats in Benue State, noting that the President’s commitment has remained instrumental in restoring peace and stability across the state.

  • The Jemgbagh decision: Why Alia’s track record, strategic vision assure an overwhelming second-term mandate

    The Jemgbagh decision: Why Alia’s track record, strategic vision assure an overwhelming second-term mandate

    By Alu Vershima

    The political landscape in Benue State is being redefined by performance, not mere promises. It is evident that the overwhelming support for Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s second term is not born of sentiment, but of strategic, enlightened self-interest anchored on three undeniable realities: Developmental Projects, Strategic Political Succession, and Empowering Appointments.

    Gboko people in particular, and the Jemgbagh political bloc in general, are not a people who are naive or myopic; rather, the Gboko people are a highly enlightened people, both politically and otherwise. As such, we cannot be deceived. His Excellency Governor Alia has accomplished what no one else has ever done in Benue State in such a short period, and the Jemgbagh people are well aware of this fact.

    They cannot be misled. Come the 2027 general elections, the Jemgbagh people will turn out in their usual large numbers and vote massively for Governor Alia so that he will continue the transformative work he has been doing ever since assuming office as the Executive Governor of Benue State.

    One of the primary reasons why Gboko and the entire Jemgbagh area will throw their support behind Governor Alia is the tangible evidence of development in our homeland.

    When the Governor commenced the construction of a flagship project like the underpass, he understood that Gboko is the focal town of the Tiv people, where the paramount leader, the Tor Tiv, resides. The Governor recognized that it was only right to honour this place held in high esteem by the rest of the Tiv nation; hence, the construction of the underpass in Gboko, which has been advancing alongside the one in Makurdi.

    Aside from the underpass, the Governor has successfully replicated the success of the BIPC Bakery in Makurdi—a facility that has been a source of succour to the Benue populace, who now enjoy quality bread at an affordable price. The Governor chose Gboko again for the establishment of the BIPC Bakery in order to serve the people here. True to his word, the bakery has been built, commissioned in Gboko, and its products are now being enjoyed by the populace of this wonderful town.

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    Furthermore, the Governor has undertaken a massive construction drive of roads and streets in Gboko, a number of which have already been completed. For instance, the former Clinic Road, which used to be extremely dusty during the dry season and severely muddy during the rainy season, has been completely taken care of by the Governor. The road has since been asphalted with a nylon tar and is now being enjoyed by the Gboko people. There is also another road in Adekaa, the Ikese Street, which has been tarred, and more recently, the Governor installed street lights on Ikese Street.

    It is important to note that Gboko is the capital of the Jemgbagh people, which comprises the local government areas of Buruku and Tarka. Whatever development is executed in Gboko is always of great importance to the rest of the people in the three local governments. For example, both Buruku and Tarka currently rely on Gboko for essential banking services, and thus, whatever the Governor has done in Gboko is still to the immense benefit of the rest of the Jemgbagh people.

    The history of Benue politics reveals that political cycles, though often chaotic, tend to follow a pattern of regional succession. Even when the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, performed abysmally poor—to the extent that his administration owed substantial civil service salaries that Governor Alia now pays before the 25th of every month—the Benue people voted him back to complete his second tenure.

    I recall vividly when Governor Ortom was campaigning for his second tenure and visited the Gboko Local Government Secretariat; the civil servants would not allow him to speak because of the huge salary arrears he owed. It was another prominent leader, Gabriel Suswam, who pleaded with the civil servants to forgive and vote for his second term so that the political rotation would be uniform. He argued that since others always complete their second tenures, Ortom should not be made an exception.

    Judging from that precedent, the Jemgbagh people are keenly aware of the importance of the second-term convention. We are hopeful of producing the next Governor after Governor Alia’s second tenure, and we will not compromise our position to be next in line. Therefore, we will vote massively for the Governor in order to pave the way for a Governor of Jemgbagh extraction after his two terms are complete.

    Another critically important factor that will guarantee the massive vote of the Jemgbagh people for the Governor’s second tenure is the fact that he has given substantial and visible appointments to our sons and daughters from the Jemgbagh extraction.

    Governor Alia has ensured that Jemgbagh is recognized at the highest levels of his administration:

    A very juicy appointment like the BIRS Chairman is currently being handled by a Jemgbagh son.

    Governor Alia appointed a Jemgbagh son as the youngest Commissioner in the cabinet.

    The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol is from Jemgbagh.

    There is a serving Commissioner from Gboko Local Government (Yandev), a privilege that had never occurred before this administration.

    The Executive Secretary of BIPC is also from Gboko Local Government, amongst so many other significant appointments.

    Judging from the points above, one can clearly see that Gboko and Jemgbagh in general will not compromise their position on the second tenure of Governor Alia. They will vote him massively because of his transformative administration, the immediate benefits being enjoyed by the people, and, most importantly, because of his role in strategically making way for a Governor of Jemgbagh extraction after his second tenure in office.

    The future of Jemgbagh is inextricably linked to the success of Governor Alia’s complete mandate. The choice is clear: Performance now, Succession later.

  • JUST IN: Alia assigns portfolios to newly appointed Benue commissioners

    JUST IN: Alia assigns portfolios to newly appointed Benue commissioners

    Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has assigned portfolios to the newly appointed commissioners, marking a significant step in shaping his administration’s executive team.

    The appointments are as follows:

    Hon. Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche – Commissioner for Health and Human Services

    Dr. Ortese Yanmar – Commissioner for Cooperatives and Rural Development

    Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan – Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals

    Hon. Michael Oglegba – Commissioner for Finance

    Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime – Commissioner for Youth, Creativity, and Innovation

    Hon. Alumo Orpin – Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment

    Hon. Ugwu Odoh – Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment

    Hon. Kunde Aondowase – Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management

    Hon. Kwaghgba Amande – Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy

    Hon. Joseph Ter Jir– Commissioner for Transport and Power/Energy

    Hon. James Dwem – Commissioner for Science and Technology

    Dr. Ornguga Yangien – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

    Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue – Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development

    Dr. Benjamin Ashaver – Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security

    Dr. Margaret Adamu Ijaguwa – Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management

    Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo – Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism

    Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba – Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy

    The governor urged the commissioners to bring innovation, dedication, and accountability to their respective ministries to drive development and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State.

  • Alia congratulates Emberga on election as Benue Assembly speaker

    Alia congratulates Emberga on election as Benue Assembly speaker

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated Honourable Alfred Aondover Emberga of Makurdi North on his election as the new speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly.

    In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Kulas Tersoo, on Monday, Governor Alia described Emberga’s emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by fellow lawmakers and a testament to his commitment to democratic values.

    Hon. Emberga was elected Speaker on Sunday, August 24, 2025, during an emergency session following the voluntary resignation of Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

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    Governor Alia commended the smooth transition and urged the Assembly to maintain strong collaboration with the executive and judiciary to achieve sustainable development and deliver democratic dividends to citizens.

    He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Speaker and assured the new leadership of his full support in advancing policies and laws for the benefit of the people of Benue State.

  • Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Alia denies involvement in Benue speaker impeachment plot

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Friday denied any involvement in the failed attempt to remove Mr Aondona Dajoh, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.This is contained in a statement issued in Makurdi by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the House attempted to impeach Speaker Dajoh on Thursday.

    In response, the House, during its plenary on Friday, suspended four members for three months over their roles in the failed impeachment plot.

    According to the statement, Alia reiterated his respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers, affirming that he held the Assembly in high esteem.

    The statement also emphasised that the governor had consistently responded to all communications and resolutions sent to him by the House.

    “This commitment was demonstrated only a few days ago when he promptly upheld and implemented critical resolutions of the Assembly conveyed to his office,” the statement noted.

    Alia reaffirmed his cordial working relationship with the Dajoh-led Assembly and pledged continued support for its legislative duties in the interest of Benue State’s development.

    (NAN)

  • Alia suspends SUBEB boss, others

    Alia suspends SUBEB boss, others

    Benue Governor Hyacinth  Alia has suspended the Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr.Grace Adagba.

    He suspended Adagba with the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government area Maxwell Ogiri and the State  Secretary of the Lottery Board Micheal for a person of one month.

    According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula,the resolution is in line with the resolution of the Benue Assembly .

    ” Governor Alia has  upheld the resolutions of the Benue State House the of Assembly conveyed to his office regarding the suspension of some public officials.

    ” In line with the resolutions passed by the House, His Excellency affirms the  suspension of the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month, effective from today.

    “The suspension of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Grace Adagba, for a period of one month, and that of  the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Mr. Michael Uper

    “All the suspension is for a period of one month begining from  Wednesday.

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    “Governor Alia reiterates his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the principles of separation of powers.

    “He commended  the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assures the people of Benue State that his administration remained  dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    “The Governor urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period and calls on the people of Benue State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.”

    The Benue Assembly has declined the screening of commissioners nominees untill their  resolutions are complied .

  • Alia, Benue lawmakers in showdown

    Alia, Benue lawmakers in showdown

    The cordial relationship between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and members of the State House of Assembly appears to have broken down.

    The lawmakers declined his request to screen nominees for commissioner positions.

    The Assembly rejected a correspondence from the governor seeking the screening and confirmation of the nominees for the state executive council.

    The decision was taken during plenary, presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

    It followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Shimapever Jiji.

    Jiji informed members that the governor had consistently failed to honour resolutions of the House and had treated legislators with total disregard.

    Read Also: Alia condemns killings of travelers, attack on Benue community

    Seconding the motion, Thomas Dugeri said the governor had yet to address pressing concerns previously raised by the Assembly.

    He alleged that he had “no respect for the hallowed chamber.”

    Lawmakers who spoke on the matter stressed that their decision was not intended to stall governance but to compel the executive to respect legislative independence and honour existing agreements.

    They maintained that they were not opposed to screening commissioners, but insisted that the governor must first comply with earlier resolutions.

    The House demanded that the governor immediately provide official vehicles to affected members.

    They asked him to enforce suspension notices issued to the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.

    The Assembly had resolved to suspend the SUBEB Chairman over alleged administrative ineptitude.

    “Until the governor complies with these demands, the House will not honour or entertain any correspondence from the executive arm,” the lawmakers resolved.

    Governor Alia, however, dismissed the perceived face-off, describing it as a mere breakdown in communication.

  • Alia submits list of eight commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Alia submits list of eight commissioner-nominees to Benue Assembly

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia has submitted the first batch of commissioner-nominees to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Mr Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary, who made this known in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, said that the transmission of the list to the House was in line with constitutional provisions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Alia had sacked all the 17 commissioners and his Chief of staff on Wednesday.

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    Kula listed the first batch of commissioner-nominees to include: Theresa Odachi, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, Dr Margaret Adamu, and Dr Peter Oboh.

    Others, he said, are  Dr Timothy Yangien, Mr Denis Iyaighgba, Mr James Dwem and Dr Paul Ogwuche.

    He said that the second batch of nominees would be forwarded to the House of Assembly in a matter of days.

    Kula said the governor was committed to ensuring transparency, competence, and inclusivity in the selection of individuals to drive his administration’s vision and mission for the state.

    (NAN)