From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

In a major shift of position, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved an improved harmonised salary structure for all categories of party officials from the ward to the state level.

The harmonised salary structure was contained in a communique issued at the end of the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC) under the leadership of acting Chairman, George Turnah and made available to our correspondent in Yenagoa.

Before deliberations, the ad-hoc committee set up to review the salaries of party officials had submitted its report, prompting a consensus vote for an increment.

The communique signed by the publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, stated that the party leadership expressed concern over the inadequate welfare and challenging working conditions experienced by its elected officials, particularly the ward executives.

It pointed out that the monthly salaries of ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 for ward and local government executives, respectively, were demeaning.

According to the party, the salary condition was unacceptable, especially under a leadership that prioritises the welfare and well-being of elected officials.

Under the harmonised salary structure Local Government Party chairman will earn ₦621,000 monthly, equivalent to a Special Adviser in the appointment of the state government.

Also, the Local Government Vice-Chairman and secretary will earn ₦336,000, aligning it with the salary of a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State government, while other members of the Local Government executive will now go home with ₦196,000, equivalent to the level of a Special Assistant.

The communique stated that at the Ward level, the harmonised salary structure is ₦336,000 for the Ward Chairman, equivalent to a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State Government, while the Ward Vice Chairman and Secretary will now earn ₦196,000 each, equivalent to a Special Assistant in the Government of Bayelsa State.

The remaining fourteen members of the Ward Executive will each earn ₦120,000 as equivalent to Grassroot Mobilization appointees in the Bayelsa State Government.

The communique read in part; ‘’Similarly, elected Party officials at the Senatorial District levels and Non-working Committee members of the Party at the State level are classified as Special Advisers equivalent in the Bayelsa State Government and will now earn the sum of 621,000 as monthly stipend, while members of the State Working Committee, placed at par with Cabinet Commissioners of the Bayelsa State Government, will now earn the sum of 1,048,500 as monthly allowances going forward. These adjustments, as contained in the now-approved harmonized salary structure for elected officials of the PDP in Bayelsa State, take immediate effect with the implementation date from 31st May 2025.

‘’The State Working Caretaker Committee has directed the Acting State Secretary to immediately communicate this resolution and the approved new salary structure to the leader of the Party in the State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, for his attention and necessary action. It is the hope of the State Working Caretaker Committee that, upon full implementation, the gains of the new wage earnings will signify the Party’s commitment to the welfare of its officials.

‘’The cumulative wage bill for elected officials of the Party in the State will come to the sum of 306,496,000.00 monthly. For a Party in power in the State, this figure is not only reasonable but affordable as it will help in enhancing the capacity and performance of elected Party officials of the Party in the State, as well as improving their welfare and wellbeing while in active service to the Party, the Government, and the people of Bayelsa State.’’

The SWCC seized the opportunity to review developments in the party across the Federation and particularly in the South South Zone and therefore passed a vote of confidence in the National Vice Chairman of the South South Zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and the National Secretary of the Party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for their commitment and efforts in repositioning and refocusing the party.

Claims 300 Lives Lost in Recent Coordinated Attacks across Five LGAs

Agatu Council Boss Confirms Killing of District Head by Armed Herdsmen

By David Torough, Abuja,

Attah Ede, Makurdi

A non-partisan group under the aegis of the OnTiv Professionals Association (OPA), Abuja has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, raising the alarm over the persistent attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

In the petition submitted to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the group condemned what it described as systematic and orchestrated acts of terror, asserting that the attacks have devastated communities, displaced millions, and crippled the economy of the state.

The petition, jointly signed by the OPA President, Abraham Aku and the General Secretary, Akaanan Jacob Gwaza lamented that the unrelenting violence has turned Benue—once known for its rich agricultural productivity into a “Theatre of horror.”

“Over 300 lives have been lost in recent coordinated attacks across local government areas including Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala. Homes have been reduced to ashes, and farmlands destroyed,” the petition reads in part.

Particularly tragic was a recent attack in Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where no fewer than 11 bodies were recovered. The incident was confirmed by Hon. Agbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency, during a live appearance on Channels Television on April 15, 2025.

The association warned that the attacks are no longer mere clashes between herders and farmers but a full-blown insurgency allegedly perpetrated by a militia group with a suspected agenda against the Benue Valley. They pointed to the use of military-grade weapons such as AK-47s, RPGs, GPMGs, and even drones in the assaults.

In a strongly worded call for action, the group demanded that the Federal Government deploy Special Forces and surveillance technology to flush out the attackers.

They also called for the declaration of Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist organization and urged the prosecution of those behind the violence.

“Where is the President, the National Assembly and our state governor while our people are butchered like animals?” the petition questioned.

The group also urged Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to break his silence and enforce the existing anti-open grazing law which, they claimed, had previously offered protection to communities before his tenure.

They concluded by stressing the need for urgent intervention to prevent a descent into anarchy and a situation where residents may be forced to resort to self-help in the absence of security.

OPA reaffirmed its commitment to peace and rule of law but warned that the patience of the people is wearing thin amid growing frustration and continued bloodshed.

Agatu Council Boss Confirms Killing of District Head by Armed Herdsmen in Benue

The chairman of Agatu local government council, Melvin James Ejeh yesterday confirmed the killing of the District Head of Odugbeho, Chief Tony Adejo from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders.

Ejeh, who confirmed the development when spoke with newsmen on phone in Makurdi, said Chief Adejo was gruesomely killed in his farm at Akpa-Otobi by the suspected herders who invaded the area at about 10 am of Wednesday.

He described late chief Adejo as a peace builder, an astute community builder and a community leader who would be greatly missed by all.

Ejeh explained that the late chief was working on his farm in Otobi-Akpa, Otukpo local government area before some mindless criminals went and killed him.

“I can confirm to you that the district head of Odugbeho chief Tony Adejo has been killed. He was killed by some armed men while working on his farm at Otobi in Otukpo local government area of the State.

“Despite hearing this ugly news, Odugbeho community is calm, our people is calm because we will not take law into our hands. We are just mourning the death of a community leader.

“Nobody is taking law into his hand, there is no need for reprisal attack because the incident did not happen on ground. Therefore, Agatu is calm and peaceful as usual”, Ejeh stated.

The Agatu council boss however enjoined all Agatu indigenes, who are in and outside Agatu communities to be security cautious and be closer to security agents to avoid being fall victims of herder’s attacks.

He further urged them to relate closely with the chairman of any local government areas they are and also work with other local authorities and community leaders and be ready to report any suspicious criminals to the appropriate authorities.

“Agatu people residing and farming in other local government areas should be careful and watchful with their movement. They should liaise with local authorities and know the areas that are safe to work for now since the government is trying to curb the issue of insecurity in the whole of zone c”, he explained.

The Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, could not be reached for comment as she could not respond to text or calls.

The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 32-year-old businessman, Wilfred Ochie, who allegedly robbed a man of two iPhones worth N4.5 million with  gun.

Ochie, who resides at 3, Eleda Avenue, Iba, Lagos State, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, the defendant committed the offences on April 16 at Iba.

The prosecutor said that the defendant ordered two iPhone 16 Promax from the complainant, Mr Samuel Olotu, on jiji.com, on payment-on-delivery term.

The prosecutor said that when a rider went to deliver the phones, he was robbed at gunpoint.

Ademigbuji said that the defendant was tracked with the number he used to call the complainant.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 297 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Kushanu, granted the defendant bail in the some of  N400,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Kushanu adjourned the case until June 19 for mention. (NAN)