By David Torough, Abuja 

A coalition of youths under the aegis of Ukum Young Elites (UYE) has demanded an unreserved apology from former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, over alleged derogatory remarks he made about the people of Ukum Local Government Area.

The group, comprising sons and daughters of Ukum across political affiliations, condemned what they described as unprovoked and demeaning comments made by Senator Suswam during a recent meeting held at the Ukum Local Government Council Hall, Sankera.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Suswam was allegedly heard referring to the people of Ukum with derogatory expressions such as Abumeior and Undyor, which loosely translate as “fools” in Tiv.

“We view Senator Suswam’s descriptions and utterances as mockery, demeaning, and the highest level of insult to the Ukum people, whose ancestral lands have been taken over by herdsmen and bandits,” the group said in a statement signed by several community leaders, including Abraham Waroh, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, and Comrade Jacob Katyona.

They noted that the community is still mourning the loss of lives from repeated attacks by armed herdsmen, and described Suswam’s remarks as insensitive.

“It is disheartening that Suswam, who is the highest beneficiary of Ukum’s benevolence, in turn calls us fools and embarks on a mission to mock and dance on the graves of our murdered relatives,” the statement added.

The youths recalled that during Suswam’s early political career, Ukum people played a decisive role in his electoral victories, including the 1999 PDP primaries, the 2003 House of Representatives election, and the 2015 senatorial contest.

“Perhaps Suswam now sees us as fools because we have always stood for him, even when Ukum sons were in the race. We have learned our lesson nonetheless,” the group declared.

The group also accused Suswam of failing to speak out against the killings of their people by armed herders and criticized him for allegedly siding with Governor Hyacinth Alia against whom the people had protested over what they described as failure to protect lives and property.

“It appears Suswam was not in Ukum to sympathize with us over the attacks but to register his anger over our protest against Governor Alia, his friend. This is unfortunate,” the group said.

They faulted Suswam’s reported suggestion that Ukum people should be grateful to the governor for providing security support, saying security is a constitutional responsibility and not a favor.

In their words: “No one owes Governor Alia any special thanks for using the security vote. This is basic knowledge we expect from a former governor and a lawyer.”

The group demanded that Suswam tender a public apology for the statements attributed to him, insisting that Ukum people are not fools.

“Ukum’s hospitality and loyalty to Senator Suswam over the years stemmed from our cultural ties and belief in his leadership, but we will not accept insults,” the group concluded.

The statement was jointly signed by Abraham Waroh, Prince Tyodoo Livinus, Pila Daniel, Comrade Jacob Katyona, Hon. Shagba Orbeenga, Hon. Joseph O. Orverga, Udeti Aondolumun Ernest, and Comrade Yoosu Soonen.

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By David Torough, Abuja

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Tiv Community, Abuja chapter has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Barr. Cosmos Akighir and Engr. Abraham Atotse as Chairman, governing board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and Engr.

Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission.

Lader of the group, Hon.

Thomas Terzungwe Iangen, in a statement also commended the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) and leader of the North Central region, Sen. George Akume for facilitating the key federal appointments for Benue State indigenes.

Describing the appointments as a testament to the competence, dedication and expertise of the newly appointed personalities, the group expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu for finding appointees worthy of service.

He noted that the appointments were a confirmation of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to good governance and genuine effort to tame the rising wave of insecurity in the North Central geo-political zone.

The group promised continued support to the policies and programmes of President Tunubu administration.

Iangen also called on the leadership of the All Progress Congress (APC) to organize a free and fair primary election next month in FCT.
“I want to congratulate Barr. Cosmos Akighir on his appointment as Chairman governing board North Central Development commission ( NCDC) and Engr. Abraham Atotse as board member of the commission on their appintment,” Hon. Iangen said.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) and former governors have named former Senate President Bukola Saraki as the head of a seven-member reconciliation committee.The PDP-GF Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, announced this while briefing newsmen after the forum’s crucial meeting with former governors, on Sunday night in Abuja.

Mohammed said that the seven-member committee was mandated to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting schedule for May 27 and the forthcoming national convention in August. “We are here with all the governors elected under the party, that are still in the party and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC).“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of cours,e that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least there is no ill feelings, there are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience.”Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.“We want to reassure our teaming supporters that the PDP is working, the PDP is united,” Mohammed said.Answering questions on the recent defection of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party was working not only to strengthen it structures, but also reclaim its states.“Well, this is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together.“Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.“They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up” he said.On what specific issues were discussed at the meeting, Mohammed said:”I cannot tell you all the issues that we discussed.”We discussed unity. Definitely there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to hide things under the carpet. You know some of them.“Some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings between party members, and of course, we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing crisis, but they are likely to be the ones. We are not saying they are,” he said.Report says that other members of the committee are governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Peter Mba of Enugu State.Other members are Sen. Seriake Dickson, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former governor of Abia State, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu.Others in attendance of the meeting held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, include governors of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo states.Others are the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi.Others are Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Seriake Dickson, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada.Also at the meeting were party acting National Chairman of the party, Urmar Damagum, and other members of the PDP National Working Committee, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade. (NAN)