NEWS
BENUE GOVT HITS BACK AT FORMER APPOINTEES, SAYS “GOV. ALIA’S SHIFT FROM PROPAGANDA ON INSECURITY WILL BENEFIT BENUE PEOPLE BETTER”

The Benue State Government has dismissed recent criticisms from former appointees of the previous administration, describing their actions as a “poorly staged mockery of our collective sensibilities” and declaring that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s strategic and calm approach to insecurity is already yielding visible results across the state.
In a strongly worded press statement titled “Gov. Alia’s Shift From Propaganda on Insecurity Will Benefit Benue People Better”, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, lashed out at the Association of Former Appointees of the Ortom administration, who had criticized the Governor over his handling of security and governance issues. “We have watched, with a mix of dismay and bemusement, a shameless video of a press release featuring the Association of Former Appointees of the last administration,” Kula stated. He described the group as “political juveniles of the retired administration” who “borrowed the boldness to question the outing of His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia.”Kula argued that the Governor’s approach to security marks a clear departure from the past, noting: “Unlike the last administration, the current government did not assume office with a mindset rooted in mischief and propaganda. Instead, it has let actions speak louder than words.”He emphasized the inclusive and regional collaboration adopted by the Alia administration, highlighting that “Governor Alia adopted a fresh approach that actively involves key stakeholders, particularly in neighboring states… His administration has shifted from the isolationist and confrontational stance of the past government, which made Benue a pariah among its neighbors and a sworn enemy of the central government.”On the ongoing restoration of peace, the statement pointed to progress in areas such as Sankera, Guma, and Nzorov. “Take, for example, the peace dialogue in Sankera, a region that was known for crisis for over a decade. Sankera is currently seeing actors in the conflict return to the table for peace talks.”Referencing Guma specifically, Kula noted: “The return of peace in Guma… has allowed residents, including these two former appointees of the previous administration, for the first time in over eight years, to farm rice in their ancestral homes and harvest without fear of herdsmen attacks. That alone should be enough to make these politically paid actors grateful to Governor Alia, rather than starring in a pitiful show of shame tagged, ‘a press conference.’”He further cited recent peaceful events in the hometown of former Governor Ortom as evidence of improved security: “In Mbabegha, Nzorov Council Ward, home of the former governor Ortom… two burials attended by prominent citizens, were recently conducted peacefully… This is a scenario that would have been unthinkable under their terror-filled watch.”Addressing criticisms over the welfare of IDPs, the statement explained that many remained in camps due to destroyed homes, not government neglect. “Governor Alia’s administration is actively working behind the scenes to ensure their safe and dignified return to their ancestral homes, and that process is ongoing.”On allegations that Governor Alia is “in bed with marauders,” Kula fired back, saying: “Such a claim is as ridiculous as it is malicious and could only be conjured by minds long corrupted by political bitterness.”He emphasized that “the Governor has done is to pursue a more diplomatic and strategic approach in dealing with this menace… Those tactics resolved nothing, but instead, escalated tensions and isolated Benue further from national support.”The statement also accused former Governor Ortom of hypocrisy, particularly regarding the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law: “The head of the last administration, Gov. Ortom reportedly one of the biggest cow merchants in Benue with over 10,000 cattle cannot show Benue people the location of any functional ranch for his own herd.”It suggested a link between renewed violence and political sabotage, stating: “The resurgence of violence in some parts of the state aligns suspiciously with these sudden coordinated media attacks… Their actions suggest a deliberate plot to sponsor unrest in a bid to discredit the current government.”On healthcare, Kula said it was “laughable that the former appointees under whose watch the Benue State University Teaching Hospital collapsed would now try to speak.” He outlined several improvements under Governor Alia’s administration, including a new water project, an international cancer centre, and the establishment of a special needs school.Regarding Governor Alia’s reference to ECOWAS protocols in dealing with the herder-farmer crisis, the statement clarified: “Governor Alia’s diplomatic strategy grounded in both national and international frameworks is aimed at finding sustainable, long-term solutions that protect farmers, encourage peaceful coexistence, and align with national interests.”Kula concluded by stating that the opposition was trying to shift blame: “Trying to pin the consequences of their eight years of catastrophic governance on a 23-month-old administration is not only dishonest; it is delusional and irresponsible.”He ended the statement by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to rebuilding Benue: “This government is focused on progress, not performances. While they rehearse press releases in rented halls, Governor Alia is restoring dignity, rebuilding systems, and returning Benue to its rightful place.”Kehe Hon,Information Officer,Government House Makurdi.12/04/2025.NEWS
Tinubu Honors Buhari, Renames University of Maiduguri after Late President

By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University.
“May we now adopt the University of Maduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu said at the close of a special session of the Federal Executive Council held to honour Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The President paid a glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism and moral uprightness would endure for generations.
Tinubu said although the late president was not without flaws, his unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.
“His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten.
“His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God,” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s time in office and his long military and civil service, Tinubu praised the late leader’s simplicity, humility, and stoic resistance to the trappings of power.
He said, “He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.
“His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism lived more in action than in words.”
Tinubu also recounted their political alliance, which culminated in the historic 2015 elections that marked Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint,” he said.
The President expressed admiration for Buhari’s post-office modesty, noting that he returned to his hometown, Daura, without seeking to wield influence behind the scenes.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns,” he added.
Tinubu thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the burial procession in Daura.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President, your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
NEWS
C’River First Female NUJ Chairman Describes Tenure as Trial Period

The first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River, Archibong Bassey has said that her first tenure in office was a trial period.
Bassey, who was returned unopposed in council’s election, made the assertion in an interview on Thursday in Calabar.
The Bassey- led executive was first elected on 9th May 2025, to complete the tenure of Nsa Gill, who was then appointed as Chief Press Secretary to Gov.
Bassey Otu.The chairman, who thanked the members for keeping faith in her and her team, said that she would improve on her achievements while correcting any mistakes she might have made in her first tenure.
She pleaded that any member who she must have offended in the course of her leadership should forgive her as she was not perfect and called for unity among members.
“Let’s leave any form of rancour behind, I need all your support;push me from the back, support me as you can.
‘’Tell me your ideas of moving the council forward and not what someone told you about me; I am asking God for the spirit of humility and love, to enable me lead the council well.’’
Earlier in his goodwill message, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, had commended the union’s unity in electing its new executives.
According to Ekpang, they will continue as a government to give the Cross River Council of NUJ what it needs and all the necessary support to enable it carry out its functions objectively.
“I want to thank you for your unity, it’s better to come unopposed, I believe one day, the Cross River Council will emerge as the best in the nation,” he said.
Other executive members who were returned unopposed are Mr Sunday Inah of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) as Vice Chairman, Michael Abang of Business Day as Secretary.
Others are Kingsley Agim of the Cross River Ministry of Information as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Achiane Adams of the Ministry of Information, Treasurer, and Benedine Tete Anam of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Auditor.
NEWS
Gov Makinde Confered With Prestigious Chieftaincy Title of Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land by Akure Kingdom

The Akure Kingdom will today bestow a prestigious chieftaincy title, Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land, meaning President of the Respectable People, upon His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The conferment ceremony, which will take place in Akure, Ondo State, marks a significant recognition of Governor Makinde’s exemplary leadership, integrity, and contributions to the advancement of Yoruba culture and national development.
The title, one of the highest honors in the Akure Kingdom, celebrates individuals who embody the virtues of respect, dignity, and service to humanity.
Governor Makinde’s conferment reflects his outstanding commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and fostering unity across Nigeria.
The ceremony will be attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and government officials, underscoring the significance of this historic event.
This honor further strengthens the bond between Oyo and Ondo States, fostering mutual respect and cooperation for the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.