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.

The Ogun Assembly, on Friday, ordered the authorities of the state Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu to avail it with additional documents to aid its committee on Public Accounts to consider the institution’s financial report.

The assembly said that this was to enable its  committee to promote accountability and transparency in carrying out its oversight function.

The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Damilare Bello, made the request after the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Yinka Akinbo, had presented the  institution’s 2023 financial report before the lawmakers in Abeokuta.

The Assembly also requested for the immediate submission of additional documents on honorarium on sitting allowance, other equipment and purchase of motor vehicle.

Bello, however, commended the management of the institution for achieving some level of increment in the revenue drive of the institution,

He lauded the institution’s management team for the re-accreditaion of some courses and 11 others to further broaden the educational programmes being taught in the polytechnic.

The chairman of the committee added that the exercise was not meant to witch-hunt, but a part of the constitutional responsibilities of the House of Assembly. (NAN)

The Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says the party is reviewing security protocols of high-ranking officials of the party.

The State APC Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, stated this on Friday in Makurdi when he briefed newsmen following an attack on the party’s Legal Adviser, Mr Terhemen Gbeagha.

Omale said an urgent review of security protocols for all party members, especially those in key positions, was underway.

The chairman said they were actively implementing enhanced security measures to safeguard their personnel and prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The safety of our officials is paramount, and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for this attack.

“I extend my gratitude to Ngbea for his courage in the face of this threat, and I call on the authorities to act swiftly and decisively,” he said.

The chairman said that at approximately 7:00 pm on Thursday near Sahad Stores, Central Area Abuja, Ngbea experienced an attack by unknown gunmen.

He stated that while the legal adviser had parked his vehicle in the area, he noticed another car trailing him.

“Recognising a potential threat, Ngbea immediately took evasive action and called for help, despite sporadic gunfire directed at him.

“During the incident, the assailants exited their vehicle and forcefully broke into Ngbea’s Hilux.

“They stole a bag containing a new laptop and some documents. It is important to note that the stolen documents are not even related to the cases at the tribunal.

“The perpetrators attempted to start the vehicle; however, their efforts were thwarted by the advanced security gadget installed in the vehicle, a measure which undoubtedly helped prevent further escalation.

“We have reason to believe that this was not a random act of violence but rather a deliberate attempt to either kidnap or assassinate Ngbea,” he said.

Omale stated that given the crucial role he has played in ensuring the party’s prospects at the tribunal, the targeted attack was both alarming and unacceptable.

The chairman reassured the public that the party was taking every step possible in response to this incident.

According to him, they have immediately lodged formal reports with the relevant security agencies and are fully cooperating with their investigations. (NAN)