NEWS
Alia Swears in Three Caretaker Committee Chairmen, Tasks Them on Good Governance
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From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Saturday, sworn in newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen for three local government councils in the state.
The governor while speaking during the inauguration, enjoined the new appointees to promote good governance and be accountable and transparent while carrying out their official responsibilities.
The newly sworn Council Chairmen includes; Verlumun Avar for Gboko LGC, Victor Iorzaa, Ukum LGC and Mr.
Justin Shaku, Katsina Ala LGC respectively.The inauguration of the council chairmen was after the three former council chairmen were sacked by the governor as a result of misappropriation of local government Internally Generated Revenue and gross misconduct.
.However, the governor said with the appointment of these new ones, they would re-inject vibrancy in the administration of local government councils in the State.
He said local government being the third tier of government, is critical to the operation of his administration since it plays a major role in the provision of social services to the people.
The governor, who cautioned the council chairmen against mismanagement of resources, admonished them to provide the needed change in their respective council areas, saying that there is no room for financial mismanagement.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to ensure accountability and adherence to the due process in governance, saying the chairman must be guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all times and expressed confidence in the ability of the Chairman to lead and serve with distinction.
“Your predecessors are disengaged because of their lack of commitment, lack of dedication, lack of responsibility and accountability and transparency.
“These are things you can never do, you must not have those elements.
You must stay transparent, you must be reputable, people’s lives are handed over to you in these local governments.
“You are supposed to protect them, you are not supposed to be the ones moving out there creating more chaos or more crises.
“Rather, you must be seen as the true leaders who are working for the people and on their side. You are not sent out to create division that is not what Benue needs. We need a unified force, the state needs oneness, and a common goal of purpose.
” We need to up our game for development and growth in the state, we need to give people that true service, the government works so hard that everyone one will thrive in their businesses.
“You are the primary mechanic to help people realise the government’s contribution in their lives and lives of their local government. These are troubling times for the entire nation, we have lots of inflation and food insecurity.
“In the state, the government is trying to get people back to their farms, the IDPS are to be in safe hands until they return to their ancestral homes. Be the shining examples and follow due process in carrying out all works”, Alia stressed
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn council chairmen, Justin Shaku of Katsina Ala Local Government council, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity given them to serve.
He pledged their full support and commitment to the Alia-led administration and also promised to ensure massive development is carried out at their various local governments to replicate the transformation agenda of Governor Alia in the state.
While acknowledging Benue people for their show of support to the Alia administration, Shaku pleaded with them to continue to rally round the administration to enable it actualise their plans for a better state.
NEWS
Ajuri, Tinubu’s Spokesperson Takes Exit, Cites Mesical Reaaona
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Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”NEWS
Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Fault Tinubu’s Economic Team, Want Immediate Reconstitution
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By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.NEWS
Tension in Makurdi Community as NAF Personnel Demolishes Houses, Destroys Rice Farm
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There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.