NEWS
Gov. Abiodun Buries Father Amidst Emotional Tribute
The late father of Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Dr Emmanuel Abiodun, was on Thursday interred in Iperu amidst emotional tribute from the governor.Abiodun, in his tribute during the funeral service held at St. James’s Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, described his father as his mentor, teacher and moral compass.
He said no word could describe the shock and unbearable blow of loosing his father. The governor stated that the virtues and the high moral standard inculcated in him by his father through his mentorship had really shaped him and assisted him in his life’s journey. He recalled, with nolstagia, how his father held him and pet him to sleep when he was young, saying that “my father was very caring”. “You were not only humble and affectionate to mum, you were a humble father, grand father, a moral compass and a source of guidance to the whole family.“We will forever cherish your memories and look after your darling wife, companion, friend and partner of 65 years who is our dear mother.“I hope you are watching as the whole world is celebrating you because you brought so much happiness to many hearts that you taught and touched.“I am proud to be your first child and son. Your spirit will forever be beside me and I know you will always be with me, ” he said.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who extolled the virtues of Pa Abiodun, described him as a rare breed who served his family, community, nation and God.Osinbajo noted that Pa Abiodun enjoyed the mercies and grace of God and in turn gave back to the society,.“A teacher, a teacher of teachers and we are all celebrating him today because he taught so many, gave back to so many people and kept giving back to communities and serving the church.He added that Pa Abiodun was not just celebrated because of his achievements, but more importantly because of the inheritance that he left for millions of people, including his own children.In his sermon at the funeral service, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Diocesan Bishop of Remo, Most Revd. Olusina Fape, described death as “a debt” which everybody must pay.Fape, who urged all humans to prepare to meet their creator, insisted that nobody would get to heaven by chance.“You need to start to think about your temporary existence on earth and start doing what will make you inherit heavenly mansions when you die. “Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people,” he noted. The cleric, who expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, called for urgent action by government at checking it.He described Pa Abiodun as a great teacher and committed Christian who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.“Papa had worked and distinguished himself in his career and service to humanity.“He also passed the torch of Christian faith to his children.“He was a loving husband and father and because of this, God indeed honoured and rewarded him with humility and blessed children.“As a Christian, papa had done well and he never preoccupied himself with earthly possessions, but dedicated himself to the service of God and humanity,” he said.Prominent Nigerians who attended the ceremony include former President Olusegun Obasanjo,Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila.The state governors in attendance included Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Mr Godwin Obaseki (Edo).Three former governors of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Mr Ibikunle Amosun and Mr. Gbenga Daniel as well as the General Overseer Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pst. Enoch Adeboye, were also in attendance. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pa Abiodun died on August 2 at the age of 89.(NAN)NEWS
Insecurity: Govt to Begins Boundary Demarcation Between Benue, Cameroon, others in April
From Attah Ede Makurdi
The federal government is to commence the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa as from next month as part of non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia this disclosed this when he visited and donated relief materials to victims of herdsmen militias attacks in six council wards of Kwande Local Government Area of the State.
The six council wards affected are, Moon, Mbadura, Yaiv, Kumakwagh, Mbakyor and Neivwan.
Addressing the displaced persons and other stakeholders at separate venues in Ichongo traditional council, Jato Aka, RCM Special Science Primary School, Nyihemba and Achia primary health Care, Usambeliev Ikyurav ya, the Governor assured that Government would not fold its hands and watch bandits kill, destroy and take over their communities, saying he would soon bring the situation to end
Governor Alia who was represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, said that a Military post would be established in Abaji to prevent the bandits from attacking farmers in Anyiase, Abande and Nundugh and directed the commissioner of Police to back up the police station in Jato Aka with fifty more police personnel for swift response.
He maintained that the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa would commence next month, and stressed that the measure would serve as a non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.
Earlier, in their responses, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Joseph Alakali and Chairman, Kwande Local Government Council, Rev. Mark Hule assured the people of the governor’s commitment to their welfare and was making frantic efforts to resolve the issue once and for all.
While assuring the people of Turan and Ikyurav ya that the police is on top of the situation, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Emmanuel Adesina said two bandits were killed and one arrested and weapons recovered from them.
Ter Kwande, Chief Timothy Ahire thanked the Governor for the visit and lamented that the markets in Anyiase Abande, Nundugh and Abaji were no longer witnessing patronage due to attacks by herdsmen militia.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu assured the people of the agency’s continuous supply of food and non food items to cushion the sufferings.
A victim, Terver Ageba from Nyihemba, Mbakyor council appreciated the Governor and his entourage for given them a sense of belonging, pointing out that the herdsmen have dislodged them from their homes and have nowhere to lay their heads on.
The Commissioner iv, Benue State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Scholastica Liam (Lyam) who was also on the entourage, encouraged the displaced people to look unto God for a lasting solution to the predicament.
NEWS
Gov Alia Swears in BSIEC Chairman, other Commissioners
From Attah Ede Makurdi
The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday swore in the newly-appointed chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Dr. John Chen , and other commissioners with a charge on them to fostering a transparent electoral process that could enhance public trust and confidence in the democratic institutions.
The appointees are to oversee the affairs of the state electoral body with a view to conducting local government elections.
The swearing-in ceremony which was held at the New Banquet Hall Government House in Makurdi, followed approval of their appointment by the state’s House of Assembly last week.
Those screened, confirmed and subsequently sworn in, were Dr. John Chen who is the Chairman, Theodore Iordye Uchi, Solomon Aikighe Deva, Edache Isaac, Mrs. Gloria Clement, and Peter Baba Ogagbolo as well as Terhemen Shom.
However, the State house of assembly refused to confirm Dr. Gisaor Vincent who was nominated by the Governor for the post of the commission’s secretary over his nasty post insulting the Tiv people on Facebook
In his address at the ceremony, governor Alia urged the new appointees to demonstrate courage and steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured that his government stands firmly behind the commission.
The governor stressed that he cannot overemphasize the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming obstacles; together, they can achieve great progress and prosperity for the state.
He called on all well-meaning citizens of Benue State to join hands with BSIEC in ensuring the success of our democratic process, adding that together, they can build a future where fairness, justice, and progress reign supreme.
“In nominating each member, we were guided by the law establishing the commission, which unequivocally demands that the chairman and members possess unquestionable integrity. This underscores the critical role that the commission plays in laying the foundation for our democracy, as the Local Government Councils and council wards serve as the primary interface between the government and the people.
“I entrust upon you the responsibility of ensuring the consolidation of democracy at this vital level by conducting elections that are free, fair, and credible, accurately reflecting the will and aspirations of the people of Benue State. Our people deserve nothing less than a system where their voices are heard through their votes”,he said.
He commended members of the State Assembly for conducting rigorous screening process and their prompt attention to the nominations and confirmations, stressing that each of the appointees were selected based on their nonpartisan stance, outstanding qualifications, integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, which are fundamental to the progress of the state and the core principles required for the survival of thriving democracy.
Responding, the newly-sworn in BSIEC chairman, Dr. John Chen commended the state government for the opportunity to serve even as he assured that the electoral umpire would conduct credible local government polls when the time comes.
NEWS
Gov Alia shuns APC National Leadership Peace moves in Benue, Inaugurates parallel State Secretariat, Excos
From Attah Ede Makurdi
The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC in Benue State, on Thursday took another dimension as Governor Hyacinth Alia inaugurated new state executives of the party.
It should be noted that the APC in the State have been factionalized as result of battle for supremacy between the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF Sen.
George Akume and Governor Alia.All efforts by the National Working Committee to resolve the lingering crisis have hit brick wall as the party continue to witness disputes between members, while the governor had refused to recognise the leadership of comrade Austin Agada hence he is regarded as SGF senator George Akume’s stooge.
The NWC during its 146th meeting held on the 20th March, 2024 issued a 7 directive to all the warring parties to sheath their sword by withdrawing all lawsuits.
In compliance to the directive, the Austin Agada executive through its Legal Adviser Alyebo Mathew Esq, filed a Notice of Withdrawal on the 25th March, 2024, in the only case filed by the chairman that was pending before High Court 4 in Makurdi. The said case has been consequently struck out by Justice T.A. Kume.
However, on the same day, the Governor constituted the executive of the party led by Benjamin Omakolo at the party Secretariat located close to the Government House, Makurdi.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam described the occasion as ‘historic’ in the annals of the State politics, adding that what they had been doing behind closed doors, has now come to fruition.
Hear him,”this is the day of our liberation. We will conquer, do not b afraid the beginning may be rough but stand firm.
“There can’t be two (2) governors in the State. We have only one leader of the party who is the Governor. Let nobody make any mistake.
“Let us agree that while we were doing it at the back door, it has come to fruition. It’s a deliberate act to change the state there is no faction. Omakolo has come to stay. Let’s put the record straight to ensure the right thing is done. We have sworn to uphold party supremacy we will be keep APC flying in the State.
“I commend your doggedness. It is a critical time that requires men of courage. In the end, you will thank God that you were part of those who liberated the State from shackles of darkness The Governor is solidly behind this Exco there is no other APC and there will be none again in the State.
“We are on a mission to succeed. Already 6 National Assembly members have indicated interest to be on our side. We appreciate Ehaje ward (Austin Agada’s ward) for this development”.
The State ALGON Chairman who doubles as care taker chairman, Konshisha LGA Philip Achuah while pledging loyalty of council chairmen to the party executives,said they are a product of the APC and there is turning back.
“Be assured of our cooperation at the grassroot. At any time we are called upon, we will be there.We re product of the APC and renewed Progressives”,Achuah said.