Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has been pictured displaying his resignation letter on Wednesday at the Government house Makurdi.
The governor formally announced his decision to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said he had forwarded his letter of resignation from APC to the ward chairman in Benue State.
He also said the ward chairman was “ready to join” him in PDP.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Honourable Terkimbir Kyange has been impeached.
Ikyange was impeached in his absence when 22 lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence on him at about 4pm.
The sitting lasted for 45 minutes as Hon .Richard Ujege ( Konshisha Constituency) moved the motion for the impeachment of the Speaker and was seconded by Antony Ogbu (Ado constituency) .
After the impeachment, the lawmakers elected Hon Titus Uba ( Vandeikya) as the new Speaker, while Johnson Ahubi.( Otukpo- Akpa) is the new deputy speaker .
Titus Uba, the new speaker is from the All Progressive congress ( APC), Kyan constituency in Vandeikya local government .
Hon Avine Gbum ( Makurdi north ) was elected the majority leader , Kester Ikyenge( Logo) Chief Whip .
The sitting was presided over by Hon Sule Audu as Speaker pro-tempro, and Johnson Ahubi moved the motion for the nomination of the new Speaker and was seconded by Hon Avine Gbum.
Out of 30 members in the house, only 22 sat as eight were absent .
The members arrived the chamber through Government House Makurdi and went out through the same route which shares fence with the assembly complex.
The House had been adjourned till August 15 by the former speaker Hon .Terkimbir Ikyange two weeks ago.
At the sitting, Hon Avine Gbum, Makurdi north defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) .
All the 22 members signed the impeachment notice and may all defect to PDP .
The new speaker told newsmen that they impeached the speaker because of high handedness.
Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has expressed sadness at the security situation in the country, particularly the killing of innocent unarmed villagers by armed herdsmen, which has continued unabated.
Gen. Gowon, who said he is disappointed at the handling of the security situation called on the security agencies to invite and question the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who had threatened to unleash violence on Benue State and later justified the killings for their role in it.
He spoke on Saturday at the Government House, Makurdi when he visited Governor Samuel Ortom to commiserate with him, the government and people of the state on the killings in the state.
The former Head of State who said he was out of the country when 2 priests and 17 worshipers were killed in a church in the state during morning mass expressed the condolences of his group, “Nigeria Prays” to the government and people of Benue state.
Gen. Gowon said he is sad and worried at the religious dimension the killings is assuming and called on the authorities to redouble their effort to deal with the security situation; warning that if that is not done, the country could descend into a religious war, with no one coming out victorious.
The former Head of State who commended Governor Ortom and the Benue State government for its admirable handling of issues concerning the killings and devastation of communities said that for us to survive as a nation; we must learn to live together as one regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Welcoming the elder statesman, Governor Ortom, represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu thanked him for coming to commiserate with them and adding his voice to the call on the federal government to take decisive actions to end the orgy of violence plaguing the state and the country.
He said the magnitude and frequency of the killings and devastation of communities have defied every logic with over 185,000 people internally displaced, and living in camps; far away from their ancestral lands and their farms.
He disclosed that though the killings in the state have come down a little due to the change of tactics by the military who upgraded their operation in the state from “exercise cat race” to “operation whirl stroke”, the threat is not yet over as killings still go on in many places.
He said that the country is at cross roads, with complaints coming from all sections of the nation state. According to him, the present structure of the Nigerian federation is sick and defective; and in need of injection which must be given intravenously for reasons of its urgency.
Governor Ortom said he agrees with the calls for restructuring, explaining that restructuring would eliminate many of the contradictions and imbalances that have limited the capacity of the federating states to flourish and maximise the benefit of their existence.
Gen Gowon was billed to attend a church programme in the state and commission some projects executed by Evangelist Ogewu David of Divine Oracle Ministry.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that he is leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for good.
He told members of OnTiv Professionals Association in Abuja that he would not return to the party for any reason.
Ortom spoke a few hours after emerging from a peace meeting with the APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole where he said he had not dumped the party and had expressed hope of a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the party.
But receiving his guests at the in Benue State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja,the governor said : “I can assure you and the good people of Benue that there is no going back on my decision to exit from the APC.”
He added “at the appropriate time in the next few weeks, I would make my next move public.”
And responding on Friday to claims by the state branch of the APC that it was the governor that gave himself a red card after it raised issues of governance with him, Ortom branded the party a one man show in Benue.
His Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Terver Akase challenged the APC to “bring out facts to back their claim that they had faulted the performance of the Governor.”
He said: “During the State Congress of the party at Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, it adopted the Governor as its consensus candidate. Again, the party publicly said its decision was based on the sterling stewardship of Governor Ortom within the last three years. But being the true democrat that he is, the Governor decided that other aspirants be also allowed to vie for the governorship seat to deepen internal democracy in the party.
“While Governor Ortom appreciates the platform which APC gave him to offer service to the people of Benue State, it is regrettable that the same party has now turned to demonize him for obvious selfish reasons.
“Governor Ortom has encouraged regular caucus and other stakeholders’ meetings at which he constantly gives briefings about the security and financial challenges in the state. He also gets feedback and input at such meetings.
“His successful conduct of the local government elections which APC candidates overwhelmingly won chairmanship and councillorship positions throughout the state is proof of the popularity of his administration.
“At no time did Governor Ortom ever mention that the APC in Benue State gave him a red card. He stated categorically that it was the leader of the party who said at several fora that he had given him red card and the Governor made efforts to resolve the matter within the structure of the party at the state level before going public.
“That APC in the state has issued the statement as if it is the leader of the party or as if they are one and the same, underscores Governor Ortom’s concern that the party structure in the state is out to satisfy the whims and caprices of one individual.
“It is now clear that APC in Benue State has opted to mortgage the interest of the people of the state. The party’s unprovoked attack on Governor Ortom points to where its interest lies.
“More ridiculous is the fact that APC has become a one man show in Benue State. It should be on record that the attacks on Governor are coming now because he couldn’t meet some inordinate personal ambitions and interests of those who want to perpetually shortchange the people.
“The media attack on Governor Ortom by the state chapter of APC is the beginning of the smear campaign about which we alerted Benue people and other Nigerians. More of such disparaging statements should be expected in the days to come.
“However, no amount of intimidation or personal attacks can make the Governor to abandon the people of Benue State. He has chosen to stand with the people and won’t be distracted now or in the future.”
Oshiomhole on Thursday had said Ortom “is not going anywhere” and called him “a very, very prominent member of our party.”
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Thursday made a dramatic u-turn saying he was still a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and still flies the party flag.
The governor who spoke when he met the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said what he told the world was that he was issued a red card by former governor of the state, Senator George Akume, adding that the party had informed him that nobody has the right to issue him any red card.
The Governor has announced earlier in the week that he was quoting the APC as a result of the red card issued to him by the party.
He said “I was given a red card by Senator Akume, but the leadership of the party told me that the decision of the party leadership at the national level is superior to any individual and I think that is good enough.
“We have spoken to him, he has spoken to me, stakeholders are going to be spoken to and that is where I belong. We have not concluded the matter, it is an ongoing process because I have always stood for peace and I always want peace to prevail.
“I appreciate the intervention and I hope that we would be able to resolve the matter of differences and this is the funny thing about politics. I am here in APC, a member of APC, am still flying the flag of APC and I only said I was given red card and that has been corrected by the National Chairman.
Speaking while receiving the Governor, National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the party does not have any red card in its cupboard and would therefore not be issuing any to its members.
Oshiomhole said the party was doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis between the governor and senator Akume is resolved in the interest of the party and the state.
He said: “I have assured, as the National Chairman that APC does not have a red card in our cupboard. So, we can’t give what we don’t have and we recognized that in several states, there could be legitimate legal issues, there could be agreement, disagreement, some contestations and this we are familiar with.
“These are the evidence of the fact that we are a free Democratic Party and when leaders have disagreements, our responsibility is to help them to find common ground and the issues in Benue are not so fundamental that we cannot resolve.
“We are confident that we would resolve them and Senator Akume is a very respected leader of the party and a former governor. He will recognize the need for peace and we have what it takes to make peace.
“In Benue, we are going for a Win Win solution. Governor Ortom is not going anywhere, he is a very prominent member of our party, we appreciate his leadership in Benue and we will do everything possible to help those who have issues to have those issues resolved.
“People like Ortom who have honor cannot leave PDP just three and a half years ago with his eyes open and then later there are some tensions in his master bedroom and is thinking of returning to deceiving people. That cannot be an option. He is a man of honor and he knows that one should look for one step if you want to take the second step to concentrate the first step, that’s the way to go.
“Be assured that PDP can go and do whatever they do. It won’t change the mind of those who are convinced about building the future. It would not be without contestantation, it will be based on the understanding that we can have contestation, but we have the qualities required to resolve issues.”
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom said he was yet to declare for any political party despite the flooding of Makurdi town with his campaign posters for 2019 governorship race on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Barely 24 hours after Governor Ortom said he had been given red card by his party the All Progressive Congress (APC) his campaign posters bearing PDP symbol for 2019 governorship race took over streets of Makurdi, the state capital.
The posters were pasted in strategic places alongside the earlier ones with APC symbol.
The PDP posters, unlike the APC ones, were however without the picture of the deputy -governor Engr Benson Abounu.
But is a telephone interview with The Nation, Governor Samuel said he was yet to declare for any political party.
Ask why his posters surface with PDP symbol which gave credit to the rumours that he was heading to the party .
The governor said “Like I stated earlier, I have been given a red card and I am without a club, maybe those who wants to signed me are behind the posters, but like I said in yet to join any party.”
In a related development, a group known as Benue Youth Alliance For Ortom 2019 (BYAFO 2019), a youth group pushing for the re-election of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in 2019, has vowed to continue with the Governor in his efforts to giving a new direction in the Nigeria’s Food Basket State in spite of persecutions he is facing.
A press statement issued by the National Coordinator of the group Iorliam Shija, Tuesday, in Makurdi, the state capital said that no political leadership in the state will be acceptable outside that which is provided by Governor Ortom.
This statement is in reaction to the revelation by the Benue State Governor that he has been shown “Red Card” by his current party, All Progressives Congress (APC), on whose platform he came to power in 2015.
According to the statement, Ortom’s presence on the political stage in the state is reminiscence of what was obtainable in the First Republic when late JS Tarka attempted the definition of minority rights in Nigeria.
Shija observed that since the era of Tarka, clear agenda and focused political Leadership have eluded the state until the emergence of Ortom since the need to spare him persecution by selfish politicians, whose actions are anti-people has become the duty of every Benue Youth.
“Ortom must be spared the ongoing persecution. When has it become a crime to stand by the people, whose mandate you are holding in trust? We are satisfied with the unwavering determination of our Governor, His Excellency Samuel Ortom to securing the future of our state at the expense of his comfort and political career.” he noted.
“Our assurance to the Governor is that with him we stand to the end in his desire to giving a new lease of life and direction in the state,” the statement reads.
The group has promised to move into the every nooks and crannies of the state to mobilize against selfish politicians, who because of their personal ambitions, want to hold the state back.
Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom, his Taraba counterpart Dairus Ishaku, and Middle belt leaders have called for the immediate restructuring of Nigeria.
The Governors and Leaders of the Middle belt spoke at a rally in Makurdi Benue state capital .
The rally was organized by Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in conjunction with J.S.Tarkaa foundation with a theme; Restructuring Nigeria and Re- Awakening , the position of Middle belt.
It was attended by Ohaneze Ndi’ Igbo and Afenifere who also gave their backing to the restructuring of the country saying the present structure cannot be sustained .
Leaders of Middle belt among them Dr. Bitrus Pago, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman,Professor Jerry Gana and Dr. Obadia Mailafia all decried the ongoing killings in the region and said it must be stopped .
Legal Adviser of Middle Belt Forum ( MBF) Barrister Mike Zeko called for restructuring with two more region created out of the present region .
Barrister Zeko called for an Executive President with three (3) Vice presidents just as he said the 2014 National CONFAB should be adopted as it has addressed all national issues bedevilling the country .
Hundreds of delegates from the middle belt region including presidential aspirants from the region attended the rally which was held at the gigantic IBB square in Makurdi .
Suspected Fulani herdsmen have shot and killed three farmers in Tse- Tyodugh village ,Tombo ward, Logo local Government area of Benue state .
A community Leader and All Progressive Party (APC) chieftain Chief Job Tiza, who confirmed the killings gave the names of those killed as Ormoba Tsebo, Mkarsha Kyaave and Aondofa Iorliam.
Chief TIza told The Nation that the farmers were killed about 7; 30am on their way to the farm.
He said four person were riding on one Okada to their farm when they were ambushed by suspected Fulani herdsmen who open fire at them killing three on the spot, while one survived and is on admission in the hospital .
Tiza appeared to security agencies to live up to their responsibility of protecting lives and property, especial operation whirl stroke.
Chairman of Logo local Government area Hon. Richard Nyajo ,who also confirmed the incident dismissed reports by military that’s internally Displaced persons have returned this their home .
Hon. Nyajo called on security agencies to tackle security challenges in the Local Government .
Police Spokesman Moses Yamu, a DSP, said he was yet to get the report.
“As we speak, those displaced persons have refused to return the area because the herdsmen are still occupying all the farm areas and entire communities.
Air Peace has closed a deal with Benue State Government to operate flights to the state capital, Makurdi.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja , Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide assured that the airline would deliver exceptional flight experience to residents of Benue and others travelling on the Makurdi route.
The route will be serviced by an Embraer 145 jet under Air Peace Hopper, the airline’s subsidiary. The flights to Benue will terminate at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Markudi.
The operations, Olajide confirmed, would cover Abuja-Makurdi-Abuja and Lagos-Makurdi-Lagos.
For his part, Chief of Staff to Benue State Governor, Hon. Terwase Obunde assured Air Peace of the government’s support to ensure its success on the Makurdi route.
The commissioner, who represented the state Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, said the government was grateful to Air Peace for accepting its proposal to fly to Makurdi.
The government, he added, would cooperate with the airline to ensure the launch of the route without delay.
Air Peace recently acquired six Embraer 145 jets it plans to deploy to underserved and unserved routes in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa, including Asaba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Osubi, Nigerian Air Force Base (Port Harcourt), Abidjan, Douala, Lome, Monrovia and Niamey.
The carrier has also acquired two Boeing 777 aircraft for its long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.