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Tag: Benue APC

  • JUST IN: Suswam’s media aide denies ex-Benue Gov’s defection to APC

    JUST IN: Suswam’s media aide denies ex-Benue Gov’s defection to APC

    The media aide to former Benue state governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Bede Bartholomew, has debunked rumours circulating on social media that his principal has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.

    In a statement made available to The Nation on Friday, Bartholomew dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting that Senator Suswam remains committed to his current political alignment.

    He, however, confirmed that Governor Hyacinth Alia had, two days earlier, invited Senator Suswam and other stakeholders to a state banquet at the Government House, Makurdi.

    “Moments ago, I received calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders alerting me to trending news on Benue social media platforms claiming that the former governor, His Excellency Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, is set to defect to the APC today and would be received by Governor Hyacinth Alia this evening at the Banquet Hall,” the statement read.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence as it does not represent the current interests of Senator Gabriel Suswam or those of his supporters across the state. It should be treated as nothing but baseless rumour.”

    Bartholomew clarified that the governor’s invitation to Suswam was purely for a state event and not a political or defection ceremony.

    “As a former governor, Senator Suswam remains a stakeholder in the Benue project, hence his acceptance of the governor’s invitation. There was no indication that the event was political in nature,” he added.

    He urged supporters and well-wishers to disregard the speculation, describing it as “a lie from the deepest pit of hell,” while appreciating those who reached out to confirm the truth.

    Senator Suswam, according to the statement, extended his gratitude to his supporters and wished them a pleasant weekend.

  • ‘How Alia’s gamble is impacting Benue APC positively’

    ‘How Alia’s gamble is impacting Benue APC positively’

    • By Donald Kumun

    Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has been the subject of relentless, baseless, and ill-intentioned allegations by political detractors whose only interest is to derail the progress being made under his administration.

    These accusations are not only vexatious but porous and easily refutable when placed against the undeniable evidence of Governor Alia’s commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and the welfare of Benue State citizens.

    This article aims to comprehensively debunk these unfounded allegations and expose the true motives of those spreading misinformation.

    First and foremost, it must be stated and made abundantly clear that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Benue State.

    His administration is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy through transparent governance, strategic infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and social welfare programs.

    Under his leadership, roads are being constructed, healthcare services have improved, and education is receiving the attention it deserves.

    His government is also prioritizing agricultural development as a conscientious effort to harness the state’s vast agricultural potential for economic growth and food security.

    Governor Alia is ensuring prudent management of resources, fostering an environment conducive to investment, and restoring confidence in governance.

    His leadership is people-centered, with policies designed to uplift the living standards of every Benue citizen.

    Detractors who seek to undermine his progress must recognize that his administration is built on integrity and service to the people.

    The focus remains on transformative leadership, empowerment, and ensuring that Benue State reaches its full potential.

    Governor Alia, after his constitutionally guaranteed 8 years, is determined to leave a lasting legacy of progress, peace, and prosperity, economic, political and social stability and nothing will derail his mission to develop the state for the benefit of all.

    Now, to the infantile issues published over the week.

    In a conspicuously sponsored publication of Sunday March 31, 2025, in The Nation newspaper, on Page 33 titled: “How Alia’s gamble is threatening APC’s stronghold in Benue”, the detractors are claiming that Governor Alia is not interested in the reconciliation efforts by the APC national leadership to foster peace between him and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

    However, records indicate that Governor Alia has, on multiple occasions, expressed his readiness to work harmoniously with all party stakeholders, including the SGF.

    The governor understands the importance of party unity and remains committed to ensuring that Benue APC remains a formidable force.

    Read Also: Khamenei pledges ‘firm retaliatory response’ to U.S., Israel

    It is rather these detractors’ continuous efforts to malign the Governor and the good governance in the State that is THE GAMBLE THREATENING APC’s STRONGHOLD IN BENUE.

    Aside from the political angle, the Governor also endorsed the efforts of the paramount ruler of the Tiv ethnic nationality, the Begha and Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse. He (Governor Alia), understands the importance of party unity and remains committed to ensuring that Benue APC remains a formidable force.

    One of the most ridiculous claims is that despite receiving huge revenue allocations, Governor Alia has failed to develop infrastructure in Benue State.

    This assertion is not only false but also an insult to the intelligence of the good people of Benue who are witnesses to the rapid transformation occurring in their state.

    From roads to healthcare facilities, schools, and rural electrification, humanitarian services to the IDPs, prompt payment of salaries, youth empowerment programs, revitslization of industries in the state, cohesion of the civil servants’ productivity, rural roads ongoing constructions, a month others, Governor Alia has prioritized projects that have direct impacts on the lives of the people. The Makurdi-Gboko Road, Otukpo Township Roads, and several other infrastructural initiatives, have been executed and are ongoing as stated above.

    His government is also addressing the water supply challenges in Makurdi and other areas. Therefore, the claim of no commensurate development is a baseless political gimmick aimed at misleading the public.

    The claim that the future of APC in Benue State is fragile is outright false. The overwhelming support for Governor Alia by the people of Benue State, attests to the party’s solid footing in the state. With the governor’s impressive performance in office, the party continues to enjoy mass acceptance by the people. This, they do so because of the believe that Governor Alia has instilled in them of the new narrative about leadership and good governance. The fabricators of this claim fail to realize that the majority of Benue people are politically conscious and will not be swayed by cheap blackmail.

    Some have alleged that Governor Alia has alienated party stakeholders, yet the governor has consistently engaged party leaders and members in key decision-making processes. He maintains a deliberate policy of holding consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusivity in governance. The real issue is that some self-serving politicians, who expected to be given absolute control over state resources, are bitter that Governor Alia refuses to pander to their selfish interests.

    There is another devilish assertion that Dr. Benjamin Omakolo is working towards moving APC into SDP as written in the publication, even though the detractors were referring to the current APC State Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, is another laughable falsehood.

    Governor Alia remains a committed member of APC, and there are no plans whatsoever to defect to another party. The attempt to create confusion through unfounded claims is yet another failed strategy of detractors who fear the growing influence of the Alia administration.

    Governor Alia has made security a top priority.

    His administration has worked tirelessly to curb insecurity in various parts of the state. The claim that he has abandoned his duty to secure lives is not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to undermine his efforts.

    From equipping security agencies to deploying intelligence-based strategies, the governor continues to ensure the safety of Benue citizens. Even in flashpoints, these monumental efforts are yielding results.

    The governor has consistently engaged with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and party chieftains. The claims of non-consultation are baseless and only propagated by those who wish to hijack the political process for personal gain.

    The fallacy that only Austin Agada is leading and sustaining the support of most APC National Assembly members, led by Senator Titus Zam, is absurd. Governor Alia enjoys broad-based support, and his leadership has strengthened the party’s influence both at the state and national levels. What has Agada really done that earned him this appellation?

    The October 2024 local government elections were conducted fairly, despite attempts by political opportunists to discredit the process. Governor Alia ensured a level playing field, and the outcome reflected the will of the people. Critics are merely expressing their frustration over their inability to manipulate the electoral process to their advantage.

    Governor Alia has demonstrated respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers. The allegation of executive recklessness and friction with the legislature is a fabrication aimed at creating the illusion of a crisis where none exists. His government has maintained a cordial working relationship with the State House of Assembly, ensuring smooth governance.

    Solomon Adodo’s baseless request for the EFCC to investigate the alleged N500 million allocation for the removal of Maurice Ikpyambese as Chief Judge of Benue State, as captured in the publication, eis pure mischief. The Adodo in reference here has continuously behaved like a professional blackmailer who seeks to tarnish the image of the governor without a shred of evidence. He should be made to understand that in Benue state, Governor Alia operates with transparency and accountability, and such fabricated claims hold no water.

    The notion that Governor Alia masterminded the suspension of 13 House of Assembly members is a poorly concocted tale. The decision was taken in line with due process, and the governor had no undue influence over legislative matters.

    The allegation that Governor Alia is doing nothing to address the killings in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, Sankera axis, and other areas is another desperate attempt to mislead the public. The governor has worked relentlessly with security agencies to tackle these challenges, leading to a significant reduction in violence.

    The claim that Governor Alia is in an unholy alliance with former Governor Gabriel Suswam is laughable. There is no evidence to support this claim, and it is simply another divisive tactic by those who fear the governor’s rising political strength. What stops Governor Alia from working and been in good terms with a prominent and worthy son of the state? Where does any extant prohibited this? It must however be stated unequivocally that, any relationship that will never see the accrual of tangible benefits or those anchored on the chains of personal aggrandisement will never be tolerated by the Governor.

    The assertion that APC faces a catastrophic situation in Benue State in the 2027 elections, is wishful thinking by these detractors. The reality is that Governor Alia’s performance is earning him even greater support, and the party is set for a landslide victory come 2027.

    Governor Alia’s administration, is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State. The baseless allegations against him are mere distractions by those who have lost political relevance. The people of Benue State remain steadfast in their support for the governor, who continues to work tirelessly to transform the state for the better.

    • Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi.
  • Benue APC and challenge of reconciliation

    Benue APC and challenge of reconciliation

    Many issues should bother the people of Benue State, particularly members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the divided chapter.

    The subsisting ethnic cleavage makes the Northcentral state a mini-Nigeria in want of unity in diversity. The memory of past inter-tribal clashes is scary. The scars are visible. The pains have not subsided. The tension may not have abated. From his predecessors, Governor Hyacinth Alia has inherited a big burden of ensuring peaceful coexistence. He is achieving this through his peace-building styles and people-oriented policies and programmes.

    Benue of Tiv, Junkun, and other groups has been a wide theatre of mass killings and other forms of violence – on the farms, in the villages, and on the roads. The perpetrators are unknown. They are usually spook-like, always at large, only to reappear to wreak more havoc and vanish into thin air again.

    The state prides itself as the Food Basket of the Nation. But it is now troubled by the disruption of farm practices. Farmers are slaughtered by public enemies. Kidnappings, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes create panic and apprehension. The actual number of needless deaths in the last nine years is unknown. It is mind-boggling.

    The highly heterogeneous state is thirsty for peace and development across sectors. The sectors require surgical operations, which Rev. Fr. Alia is carrying out with patriotism, commitment, and dedication, thereby rekindling hope about a brighter future, despite the constraints and obstacles on his way.

    Before the cleric got in the saddle under the current republic were George Akume, Gabriel Suswam, and Sam Ortom. It could be said that they did their best to lay the foundation on which Alia is building. However, many agree that the cleric has a different approach. He attends to issues with speed. He sees his mandate as the extension of his service to humanity as a priest.

    This is the core issue: while Alia’s predecessors were accountable to the constitution, the party leadership, and certain benefactors or godfathers, the priest in Makurdi Government House, first and foremost, believes that above all, he is accountable to God, the Alpha, who gives power, and the Omega, who also has the power to retrieve power from the beneficiary, in the course of human history.

    Rev. Alia took the politics of Benue by storm, ahead of last year’s general election. He crossed the partisan bridge from the pulpit to the corridor of power, leaning on an unprecedented following cutting across ethnic, religious, and political leanings. His antecedents as an anti-HIV/AIDS campaigner and organiser of Holy Mass made him famous. He is a household name in Benue, and even in Taraba.

    The priest came when the state thirsted for a clean break from the past. He wanted to make a difference in a state that has literarily been crawling for over four decades. In Benue, there were no jobs because there were no industries. People also started deserting farms to stay safe across 20 of the 23 local governments. Over 2.3 million displaced people sojourned in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camps. The salaries of public workers were not paid. Pensions and gratuities were hanging.

    The APC needed a game changer. Thus, in 2023, the interest of Benue State, the party’s chapter, and the candidate aligned in their collective pursuit of greater welfare and prosperity for the generality of the people.

    Highly popular, charismatic, focused, and honest, Alia came with a message of hope, revival, and change. The people of Benue believed him as a man bubbling with the courage to correct the cumulative errors. His manifestos were captivating. On the podium, the priest, as usual, was electrifying.

    Read Also: Onjeh congratulates Benue APC Acting chair Omale, hails Alia, APC NWC

    At the close of the poll, Fr. Alia defeated his rival, Titus Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The outcome of the electoral exercise underscored a vote of no confidence in the opposition party and the immediate past administration in the state.

    Following his swearing-in, the governor hit the ground running, not as a run-of-the-mill prevaricator or bread-and-butter politician but as a genuine and devoted servant of God dedicated to ministering to the vast needs of people. So far, he has been fulfilling his campaign promises, to the delight of the electorate.

    But the attention of the people’s governor is being distracted by intra-party intrigues, bickering, and war within the state APC chapter on which platform he rode to power. Yet, Alia needs the support of the entire party to achieve more for the state.

    There is a curious battle for supremacy; a needless struggle for the control of the party between the godfather, Senator Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and his godson, Alia.

    Akume is the hero, party builder, and leader. Alia is the champion of progress, the ‘political star boy,’ the cynosure of all eyes, and the consolidator of party gains. The challenge now is that while Benue APC has succeeded in bouncing back to power, the chapter is also waging war against itself.

    The protracted crisis between the two leaders should be the focus of the APC National Reconciliation Committee. The division should end in the collective interest of the state and the party. It is surprising that gladiators who worked together during the elections are now working at cross-purpose, almost without justification.

    Leading the Akume forces in the war of attrition is Austin Agada, chairman of the polarised chapter. The governor’s forces are led by Benjamin Omale, chairman of the caretaker committee. The two camps are in and out of court, underscoring that things are falling apart in the party.

    Party stalwarts are flexing of muscles. Observers have rightly captured the rift as Abuja forces, fanatically loyal to a chieftain of national stature, Akume, versus Makurdi combatants, fiercely loyal to the governor, who is the legal and legitimate state party leader. The turn of events is worrisome to party members who are boxed into emotional wrenching. Mutual admirers of the two leaders – Akume and Fr. Alia – both loyalist of the National Leader and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are taken aback.

    Efforts by traditional rulers to resolve the conflict have collapsed. The peace meeting brokered by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, only led to a temporary cessation of hostilities. After departing from the ancient Gboko palace, the rift escalated. It is because, in the game of politics, the contest for power and influence are characterised by competition and antagonism which the natural rulers cannot moderate in a republican setting.

    Yet, sources of discord can be resolved through the conflict resolution mechanism within the party at the state and national levels, if the warring “factions” are willing. Issues like the choice of House of Assembly principal officers, criteria for the selection of commissioners and special advisers, and appointment of caretaker committees for councils often generate friction and tension. However, they are peculiar challenges confronting winning parties. In victory, Akume and Alia should mutually demonstrate the partisan capacities for the management of electoral achievements.

    The split is dangerous for the future of Benue APC. A party in crisis is a house divided. The negative impact would be felt by the administration it midwifed and the warring leaders locked in political enmity.

    The way out of the quarrel is simple yet challenging. There is no permanent friend or foe in politics but permanent interest. A house divided can fall. The watchword, therefore, is reconciliation.

    The two sides should sheathe their swords. They should give concessions. They should embrace consensus on issues. Their leaders should remember the beginning and strive at an accord. They should learn to forgive and forget.

    The Benue APC warriors should collectively work for concord. It is in the interest of the party and the gladiators too. Crisis, unduly prolonged, can only weaken the platform ahead of future polls.

  • All Progressive Congress, Benue State Chapter

    All Progressive Congress, Benue State Chapter

  • Benue APC chair Omakolo hails Alia’s achievements in one year

    Benue APC chair Omakolo hails Alia’s achievements in one year

    The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, has rated Gov Hyacinth Alia high in one year, stating he has recorded manifold achievements. 

    Speaking at the Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina Ala, venue of the start of Alia’s five-day thank-you tour of the Federal Constituencies of Benue State, Omakolo stated the Governor has proven in the last one year to be in league with two legendary former Governors late Chief Aper Aku and Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu in terms of commitment to serving the people and developing the state. 

    Omakolo stated Alia was undertaking the tour to express appreciation for the massive support and overwhelming votes the Benue gave him during the 2023 general elections. 

    He added that the tour was a testament of the Governor’s commitment to connect with the people who entrusted him with their mandate. 

    “Though he should have done this immediately after assuming office, the magnitude of challenges he inherited compelled him to prioritize addressing crucial issues to rescue the state from social, economic and structural decay,” Omakolo stated. 

    He further noted that the tour offers Alia the opportunity to render an account of his stewardship of the state in his first year at the helm of affairs and engage with stakeholders at the grassroots. 

    He said in the course of the tour, the Governor will listen to the concerns of the people, as well as receive their advice and use the feedback to enhance his administration’s service delivery. 

    Highlighting a few of Alia’s achievements in his first year in office, Omakolo mentioned the prompt payment of salaries to civil servants as well as the clearing of the backlog of retirees’ pensions and gratuities. 

    Read Also: Acting Benue APC chair declares loyalty to Gov Alia, urges support for rebuilding process

    He also mentioned the launch of the Benue State Agricultural Revolution (BSAR), to boost farming and food security in the state as well as the establishment of the Benue State Development Fund (BSDF) to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

    “He is a leader with plenteous empathy, one who feels the pulse of the ordinary people and is committed to addressing their plights. Governor Alia has a clear vision for Benue State’s development and is working tirelessly to achieve it. Nobody can fault his integrity. He is a man of his word, transparent and accountable in his actions and decisions,” Omakolo stated. 

    He appealed to Benue people to support Alia in his bid to take the state to another level. 

    Omakolo stated that contrary to what some of his detractors claim, Alia runs an inclusive administration. 

    He added that the Governor believes in carrying everyone along regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion. 

  • Acting Benue APC chair declares loyalty to Gov Alia, urges support for rebuilding process

    Acting Benue APC chair declares loyalty to Gov Alia, urges support for rebuilding process

    The Acting Chairman of the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, has denied claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia, was at loggerheads with the APC structure in the State. 

    He stated Alia never had issues with the party structure, adding that the Governor had only respected the rule of law and honoured the action of a legitimate party organ. 

    He said he only respected the Executive Committee of the former chairman Augustine Agada, which suspended him for engaging in anti-party activities during the last general elections.

    Speaking at the expanded stakeholders’ meeting of Benue chapter at the Lawn Tennis Court, Government House, Makurdi, Hon. Omakolo further appealed to all the leaders and stakeholders to join hands with Governor Alia to rebuild the party and advance Benue. 

    He noted that it was idle-minded, mischievous or misguided individuals that created and are spreading the false and misleading narrative that Alia and the APC structure in Benue State were working at cross-purposes, with the aim of pitching the leaders of the party against themselves. 

    Omakolo, who earlier stated that the gathering was the first expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the Benue APC to be convened since he assumed the mantle of leadership a few months ago, noted that the emergence of a new leadership in the party in the state was necessitated by the pursuit of justice and equity, urging that these tenets should continue to bind the party membership together as they fashion the way forward for the party. 

    He added many APC members were misled and others misinformed about the true state of affairs in the party, necessitating the urgent need for concerted efforts to keep them abreast of the true state of affairs with the view to bringing them back into the fold.

    “Governor Alia simply adhered to the party constitution and allowed the emergence of a new chairman to fill the vacuum left by the former chairman. Let us bear in mind that the preeminent goal of a political party is to capture power through democratic elections. 

    “All political activities are geared towards the attainment of this goal; hence, we should come together and brace ourselves for the challenges that will be coming up in the coming months and years,” Omakolo stated. 

    While appealing for the contribution of all APC members at all levels towards rebuilding the party, he thanked all delegates from the party wards and assured them that the state party leadership and the Alia administration will connect with, and work with them in every nook and cranny. 

    According to him: “I would also like to thank the party’s critical stakeholders for being steadfast in their support for the party and the administration of Rev. Fr. Alia. In the current circumstance, the party needs to stand united and build a common front that would work with unity of purpose to deliver good governance and better the lot of the people of Benue State.”

    On the forthcoming local government election, Omakolo reiterated the party’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, while respecting the established unwritten zoning order in the LGAs. 

    Declaring 100 percent loyalty to Alia, Omakolo noted that the manifesto of the party and gubernatorial candidate were inseparable. 

    He explained the candidate usually aligns his vision with the manifesto of the party, so in the event that he wins, the party will provide the structural support for the success of the administration, to enable the governor deliver effectively on his campaign promises to the people. 

    “The party structure is essential in ensuring that the social welfare packages and other palliatives released by the state government percolate to all intended beneficiaries at the grassroots. Consequently, it is absolutely necessary for the party to give total loyalty and support to our governor, so that we can achieve the set agenda of the state government. We do recognize the fact that a ruling party is usually attached to the apron strings of the administration it produces. A responsible party does not form parallel structures to that of the administration it produces,” stated Omakolo. 

    Noting that even airplanes face turbulence on take-off before they reach cruising altitude and enjoy a smooth flight, Hon. Omakolo stated that in the last one year, the Alia Administration had faced great crises, perhaps more than previous administrations in the state since 1999. But, despite these upheavals, the current governor has outperformed all his predecessors in the period under consideration. Omakolo added that Father Alia had charted a new course for the development of Benue State, and is even poised to surpass the record of the golden eras of Chief Aper Aku and Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu. 

    “No doubt, Benue State is witnessing a revival. Governor Alia’s performance will determine the party’s fortunes in future elections starting with the forthcoming LGA elections. His success will rebuild confidence in the party and earn the trust of the electorate. It will enhance and transform the political fortunes of many of us in this gathering. We must therefore stand by him and ensure that we give him all the support he needs to accomplish his goals in tandem with the party’s constitution,” stated Omakolo. 

    Alia stated that the party remains united under the leadership of Omakolo and is on the right track to develop Benue, warning those trying to destabilise the state with divisive comments to stay clear as he will not allow anyone to destabilize the government, including those who served the state in the past.

     He also enumerated the efforts and achievements of his administration thus far towards ushering a new lease of life to the Benue people and the advancement of the state, while assuring the gathering that nothing is going to distract him from his course; as he will remain focused on his leadership mission until Benue is finally brought out of the woods.

    The Governor further stated that the Benue State Government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May, 2024, to complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state. While appreciating the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state, Governor Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.  

    Furthermore, Father Alia said his administration was already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the new security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the State.

    Alia further informed the part stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government had been able to push the invaders back to where they came from, and will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.

    He explained some local government areas such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, were still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.

    Enumerating some of his achievements in office, the governor said his administration has made tremendous efforts in almost all the sectors, including the construction of rural and urban roads, assuring that he will do more to make Benue a greater state.

    He added that even though the government has made a lot of impact in the Health sector,  with the recruitment of over 400 Specialists and non Specialists Staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, it still intends  to revamp both the primary and secondary healthcare systems across the state, adding that the School of Nursing will also be re-opened, with the government paying half of the tuition fees for students of Benue indigenes who will be returning back there to study.  

    Read Also: Onjeh receives Benue APC acting chairman, seeks support for Alia

    The Governor also spoke about his administration’s plan to reintroduce the state scholarship scheme to eligible students of the state, and to encourage skill acquisition programmes and the study of science-related courses for the youths. 

    While appreciating the federal government for the award of the Overpass at Wurukum roundabout, the governor said over 50 other road networks have also been awarded by the state government across the state, and are to be completed within 12 months.

    He said although some people are not happy that his administration is doing things differently from the past, he will continue to ensure that the right thing is done, for the overall good of the state.

    Alia appreciated the stakeholders and the entire leadership of the party for always supporting his administration, while calling on the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) to fast-track the process for the conduct of the local government elections in the state.

  • Elders to resolve Benue APC crisis 

    Elders to resolve Benue APC crisis 

    All Progressives Congress (APC) elders in Benue State, led by former Senate President Ahmed Ebute, have waded into the crisis between  Governor Hyacinth  Alia and the chapter.

     The 23 APC local government  chairmen had  st  accused the governor of not carrying the party along in the affairs of the state.

    The APC chairmen also distanced themselves from the composition of the caretake chairmen of the local councils.

    The APC chairmen said Alia  does not pick phone calls and reply text messages .

    Read Also; Makinde, Mbah, Obaseki, Aliyu present Appropriation Bills to Assemblies

    They also alleged that the governor ignored members of APC and appointed members of opposition party , who worked against the ruling party at the polls as council chairmen. 

    But,  Benue APC elders, led by Ebute,  have called on the governor and party chieftains to reframe from making further comment on the crisis to allow for a peace resolution .

    Rising from a meeting at the Government House Makurdi, the elders expressed concern that an issue which could have been resolved amicably by them was allowed to degenerate.

    They frowned at the recourse to the social media, saying that it is not the best way to solve political crisis.

    The former Senate President snd former National Chairman of the Peopes Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Barnabas Gemade,  Senator Joseph Akaagerger and Gen. Lawrence Onoja called on  the political actors to shield their sword for a peaceful solution.

     Gemade dismissed social media reports that he held a zoom meeting with  Senator Iyorchia Ayu,  David Mark and Gabriel Suswam to woo  Alia into the PDP.

  • Crack in Benue APC over presidential campaign funds

    There is a crack in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Its leadership appeared divided over funds released for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

    It was learnt that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the elections to save APC in Benue State from recording a heavy defeat at last Saturday’s polls.

    The state’s APC stakeholders were in an expanded meeting yesterday at City Bay Park in Makurdi, the state capital, to address contending issues.

    The Nation investigation revealed that on the eve of the elections, APC leaders disbursed funds at the Makurdi home of the Director General of Jime-Ode Campaign Organisation, Chief Tilley Gyado.

    Some key party chieftains were alleged side-lined.

    Sources said a “cabal” within the state APC family outsmarted others and shared the funds among its members.

    The development was said to have resulted in bad blood and divided loyalty, which pushed some members to vow to work against the party at the postponed polls.

    At yesterday’s meeting, the aggrieved members reportedly stated their grievances and urged the party’s State Leader, Senator George Akume, to henceforth take charge of logistics ahead of Saturday’s polls to avoid another conflict.

    Most APC stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the way some party chieftains hijacked its affairs and made it a “one-man show”.

    A party chieftain from Otukpo, Peter Ogwuche, said the APC campaign in Benue State was being managed like a cult.

    He said: “There is no publicity. You don’t even see journalists around them. No one got to know of APC presence in Benue State.”

    Ogwuche said a national newspaper was right to have predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win in Benue State because APC members appeared bent on going after campaign funds.

    He added that INEC’s postponement of the polls seemed to be a divine intervention.

    Attempts to speak with the State Chairman of the party, Comrade Abba Yaro, were unsuccessful.

    He was reportedly still consulting with other party bigwigs at the stakeholders’ meeting.

    The meeting was still holding last night and journalists were sent out of the hall.

  • Benue APC assurs aspirants of equal opportunity

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has promised to give all aspirants equal playing ground ahead of the 2019 elections.  Deputy Chairman Prof. Kpamor J.T Orkar spoke when he received former Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Titus Zam.

    Zam was there to seek permission from the State Working Committee to contest for governor on the party’s platform.

    Prof. Orkar said the party was not badly affected as most of the people who defected were not card-carrying members, but a splinter group from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who cross-carpeted with Ortom.

    He maintained that APC was fully on ground in Benue before the governor was foisted on it, but said the working committee will not risk a repeat of the 2014 primaries. It will rather harness from its competent pool of members to arrive at a credible candidate that will recover its mandate in 2019.

    Orkar said the party zoned the governorship to Zone B and MINDA intermediate area in particular for eight years, but now that the holder of its mandate has left the party, another MINDA candidate will be allowed to complete the eight years.

    Zam said the party remains his immediate constituency and he felt more pleased seeking its permission first before embarking on his electoral journey.

    He sympathised with the party over the ill treatment it received in the hands Ortom who was given the party platform without sweat; but insisted it was time for the MINDA people to get it right this time and he has availed himself in that regard.

     

  • Benue APC settles for Ortom as governorship candidate

    Benue APC settles for Ortom as governorship candidate

    Former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Samuel Ortom has emerged as the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Benue State.

    Chief Ortom emerged after other governorship aspirants stepped down for him at the end of a close door meeting brokered by the senate minority leader, Senator George Akume, in Makurdi.

    APC governorship aspirants who stepped down for Chief Ortom are Mike Iordye, Akange Audu and Emmanuel Jime.

    Chief Ortom will now face PDP candidate Terhemen Tarzor in the general elections.

    In the last one week the Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume, has admitted PDP bigwigs into APC family in Benue State.

    First to dump PDP for APC is a former National Chairman of the PDP and BOT member, Chief Barnabas Gemade, who also picked the  Benue North East senatorial  seat ticket and will face Governor Gabriel Suswam.