No Igede Man Will Vote David Mark - Igede Youth Mandate

All may not be well for former Senate President David Mark, as there has continued to be agitations opposing his return to the Senate.

A Socio-Political Organisation, Igede Youth Mandate, has vowed that no Igede man will vote the former senate president who they said has nothing in store for the senatorial district, describing him as “an epitome of marginalisation and dishonesty”.

Senator  David Mark 

The group led by their National President, Comrade Linus Eru made this resolve during a congress meeting which held at the Government Secondary School Ikachi, in Oju Local Government. He said the Igede tribe had suffered marginalisation in the hands of the just ousted senator and will not desire to go through the same ordeal again.

He said, “It will be a big lie if anyone tells you that a true Igede son or daughter will vote for Mark again. We have suffered too long in his hands even though we never voted for him. What has the Igede nation got for his 16 years in Abuja? We cannot go back to Egypt”.

Comrade Eru described the court decision as a message from God to inform the former senator that it is the end of the road for him, as the advent of card readers will no longer make it business as usual where intimidation and rigging were the order of the day.

According to him the Igede nation were solidly behind the candidacy of Daniel Onjeh who they said has shown a high level of bravery and commitment to deliver the Benue South Senatorial District from the draconian rule of Mark, a feat which even elders feared to dare.

Senator David Mark is billed to face Comrade Daniel Onjeh in a Senatorial rerun election in February next year.

Senator David Mark's Homeland "Grand Entrance" Ends in Chaos

•Spends N75 million on hired crowd

By Gabriel Ochoga 

It's no news that former Senate President and ousted Senator representing Benue South senatorial district, yesterday made a grand entrance into Otukpo, the ancestral home of the Idoma people.

Sen. Mark who was received by a huge crowd assembled from party supporters across that state, made his way through the ancient town to the palace of the Och’Idoma, the tradition ruler of Idoma people where he was warmly received. 

Trouble however broke out when some of the youths who have come from the various local governments were denied the stipend they were promised after it was rumoured that five-time Senator had release a whooping some of N75 million for that purpose.

The leader of the Idoma Coalition For Mark, Comrade Adah Ocholi who was embittered by the development said he brought 58 of his members to welcome the Senator only to be given N5,000 only.

"What will I do with 5,000 Naira. We came 58 of us and this is all we got. This is not a good thing at all." he said.

It was later revealed that some of the Coordinators had made away with huge sums of the largesse at the detriment of the youths. Some of the supporters who came as far as Makurdi, Gboko and Katsina-Ala had to be transported back by the politicians that accompanied them. 

Senator David Mark is gearing up to face APCs Comrade Daniel Onjeh in a rerun elections in February next year after his victory at this year's poll was annulled at the court of appeal.

Group Flays Ortom’s Victory at Appeal Court

A Non-Governmental Organization, New Benue Rebirth Initiative  has flayed the appeal court decision upholding the election of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State terming it "another manipulation of the judicial processes in the country where the highest bidder goes home with predetermined declarations that are not in tandem with the spirit of the law".

Dr. Samuel Ortom

Princess Augustina Onyilo, National Secretary of the group speaking to pressmen in reaction to the judgement that was read  by Honourable  Justice, Muhammadu Garuba on behalf of the five man panel, says the judiciary has once again failed to play its sacred role in a democracy,  as well thought out by the constitution to be man's saving grace in the face of irregularities, manipulation and wickedness.

"The negative consequences of this judgement today far outweigh our successes in the last 16 years, as a sovereign state and as a people and therefore the need to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court must be exhausted in order to put smiles on the faces of the common masses of Benue State who have had to endure the negative effect of a stolen mandate for too long a time."

" Nigerians and the rest of the world have seen and heard how our single constitution in the country could be interpreted in ways and manner that it suits the interest of very powerful persons in the society."

Speaking further, She said the gaps in the  judgement will be addressed at the Supreme Court and therefore called on the People's Democratic Party candidate, Prince Tarhemen Tarzor to without any hesitation approach the Supreme Court to claim the popular mandate that was given to him by the people of Benue State.

" We stand bold in the face of this conspiracy to call on Prince Tarhemen Tarzor to as a matter of patriotism proceed to the apex court in the land to make sure that the people's mandate which was snatched from him is restored back to the people,  the judgement according to her will not stand the acid test of Justice under our law and this move will surely deepen the strength of our laws above the dictates of godfathers," she added.
Meanwhile she has called on the people of Benue State  to remain law abiding citizens and positive that the Supreme Court will address the injustice, She queried that democracy can not exist without the rule of law and a strong judiciary that is devoid of external influences and temptations. 

Mr. Tahav Agerzua should keep quiet if he lacks what to say

By Awunah Pius Terwase,
The pointless commentaries and eye-servicing statements always making by Mr. Tahav Agerzua in defence of Governor Samuel Ortom are becoming unbecoming and the time to call him to order is now. Tahav Agerzua is a Special Advisor to governor Ortom, on Media and Information Communication Technology (ICT). Looking at his position, he is to advice the governor on media and ICT issues and not to be attacking the concerned citizens of the state and other people for advising governor Ortom through their constructive criticisms.

I took my time to read with keen interest an article written by Mr. Emmanuel Bello, former Information Commissioner in Taraba State and published in Sun Newspaper, about what transpired before the materialization of Samuel Ortom as the APC’s candidate in the past governorship election in the state. Therefore, I must acknowledge that what Mr. Bello narrated in that article was the obvious truth. Without Bello even telling anybody through his analysis but we all know that somebody (Senator Akume), who claimed to be the most powerful Political Gladiator in the state so far, did everything illegally possible to secure APC’s Governorship Ticket for the present Governor, Ortom.

However, despite giving a preferential treatment to Ortom, Benue people were truly tired about the tyrannical system of leadership exhibited by Mr. Gabriel Suswam, now the former governor of the state. Bringing the so called Tarzoo by Suswam to contest for governorship in the state, it was like imposing the young Tarzoo on the people due to the fact that the person who brought him was seemed to be untrustworthy felon who needed somebody like him to cover his fraudulent activities after leaving the office, and the best person for that covering job was him that Suswam brought and presented before the Benue People.

The issue to be noted here is that the so called Tahav Agerzua confidently denied this fact and as usual, attacked the writer, Mr Bello vehemently through his rejoinder.

I am not writing in defence of Mr. Bello but rather to lament on the needless attacks of Tahav Agerzua against anyone who criticize governor Ortom. Mr. Tahav Agerzua has benefited from almost every administration that came on board, right from 1999 to date. Any governor that is on board carries Agerzua along but I am yet to see the contribution of Tahav Agerzua towards the development of the state. I wonder why Mr. Agerzua cannot remain in one party. He is always jumping from one party to the other in order to remain in position of authority. Tahav Agerzua was the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akume, now a serving senator. The same Tahav Agerzua worked as the Director, Media and Publicity to Gabriel Suswam’s Governorship Campaign Organization from June, 2006 to February, 2007 and he was compensated with an appointment. Notwithstanding, see Tahav Agerzua here again, serving as the Special Advisor to Governor Ortom on Media and ICT. Jumping from one party to the other and contributing nothing to the development of the state.

Our Benue leaders and beyond are always after their gains and not after the wellbeing of the poor masses and Mr. Tahav Agerzua is not an exception. One may wonder why I know so much about Agerzua and why I may commenting on his activities with a devoted interest. The truth is that I am tired of those people who claimed to be saints but more dangerous than those known to be dangerous. These saint people were in government and still in government but they are not doing any better from others. They keep blaming and accusing others of being corrupt as if they are good and better than those being accused. Can Tahav Agerzua swear that he has never embezzled or taken what belonged to the Benue people and enriched him-self? Senator Akume who ruled Benue State for good eight years, can he swear that he has never taken what belonged to the Benue People and enriched himself?  Can Senator Barnabas Gemade, who was the Deputy General Manager of Benue Cement and now senator, representing Benue North East, vow that he has never enriched himself with Benue money? Can the former Senate President, who is still a senator, Dr. David Mark, pledge that he has never in his life enriched himself with Benue money and beyond? Is there any former and current political office holder in Benue State and Nigeria at large that is not guilty of corruption? Remember, corruption is the wrong doing of the people, most especially those in the position of authority due to the fact that their own kind of corruption is rotten.

Conclusively, none of our leader that is a saint, both the former and the present ones, therefore, they should stop blaming, condemning and accusing others of being responsible to the problems we are facing now because they are all responsible. This is the time to work collectively beyond party, religion and tribally for the better development of our states and country. Mr. Tahav Agerzua should Change.

Awunah Pius Terwase,
A graduate of Mass Communication From,
Kaduna Polytechnic.
Wrote From Mpape,
Abuja.
08179289948
piusawunah@ymail.com

Hembe cause of crisis in Okpokwu - Deputy Speaker, Hon James Okefe

The leadership crisis in Okpokwu Local Government Area took a different turn this week as the caretaker chairman, Barr Chris Iduh and his EXCO appeared before the floor of Benue State House of Assembly to defend alleged allegations against the Deputy Speaker, Hon James Okefe.

The house had attributed to the chairman,  a post on Benuepost.blogspot.com in which the Deputy Speaker was accused of arm twisting the chairman into giving him a share of the council's monthly allocation. The House then invited the chairman and one Ati Terkula, a journalist and blogger who also published the post on his blog with the title "Okpokwu Local Government Crisis: The Untold Story"

Despite the thick air of suspicion surrounding the Deputy Speaker, the Assembly failed to quiz him, after which he was quick to make a press release claiming that he had been absolved of all allegations. It is interesting that the Benue State House of Assembly which has not passed a single bill since May pushed aside serious issues to discuss a Blog posting about it's Deputy Speaker. However, fresh revelations have emerged on how Hon Okefe courted the Okpokwu Local Government allocations in far away United States of America and now blames Hon. Herman Hembe, member representing Vandeikya/Konshisha federal constituency, for his woes in the local government.

It was gathered that a few months ago, at the Idoma Day Celebration in the US, Hon Okefe (who accompanied the Deputy Governor as part of the state delegation) met Hon Herman Hembe who is believed to have pushed for the nomination of Barr Chris Iduh for caretaker chairman.

Hon Hembe is said to have cashed in on the demand for the Edumoga people to produce the Chairman of the Council since Edumoga people make up 70 percent of the population of Okpokwu LGA whilst Okpoga where Hon Okefe comes from make up just 20 percent with Ichama bringing the last 10 percent. Barrister Iduh from Edumoga district was Hon Hembe's room mate in the University.

Hon Okefe demanded for his "share"  of the local government allocation from Hon Hembe at the meeting in the US but he was quickly rebuked by the federal member who told him to cast such thoughts away. After trying all avenues of getting his "share" to no avail, the Deputy Speaker has vowed to crush all in the wake of his political trajectory, the local Government chairman, Barr Chris Iduh and his friend Hon Herman Hembe inclusive.

When Benuepost.blogspot.com contacted Hon Okefe on the issue, he responded very angrily, shouting, "Who is Hembe, don't ever mention that name to me" before cutting the line.

All efforts to reach Hon Hembe were futile as he did not answer his phone nor return our call.

Revealed! The Real Hands Behind Okpokwu Local Government Crisis

It is no longer news that Okpokwu Local Government is currently embroiled in serious leadership and political crisis which has degenerated to serious issues of slander and blackmail concerning the local government's monthly allocation.

However investigation into the matter have revealed that the real hands Behind the crisis is the Special Adviser on Ethics and Value Orientation, Dr Godwin Ameh Idoko. Dr. Ameh whose appointment was made possible by the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. James Okefe.

According to our source, Idoko who is Okefe's political dependant was brought in by the Deputy Speaker, Hon James Okefe and together have been demanding for a share of the Okpokwu Local Government allocation from the caretaker chairman, Barr. Chris Idu.

Findings have however proven that there has actually been an arm twisting and cajole for the monthly allocation. This ploy has been uncovered to be hatched by the same Special Adviser and Deputy Speaker who have engaged in deep intrigues aimed at blackmailing and intimidating the caretaker chairman of Okpokwu Local Government, Bar. Chris Idu and anybody that opposes them.

However the chairman had allegedly refused to compromise in this regard, as according to him it will not be possible in this new dispensation due to the zero tolerance to corruption stance of the governor and the strict monitoring of local government funds.

It has been uncovered that the recent ploy is aimed at pulling the Governor into the battle as just recently the adviser, acting on the mandate of Hon Okefe went behind to Governor Ortom and demanded that he be allowed to choose the next Local Government Chairman in January 2016, the intention is to bring someone in who would compromise unlike the present one.

This plot which has not gone down well with the Deputy Governor who has insisted that the right thing should be done has also become an enemy to them and as a result they have taken the fight to him.

Our source further confirmed that in a recent meeting, the adviser referred to the Deputy Governor as "mere Deputy Governor" while inquiring what rights he had to interfere with Okpokwu Local Government matters.

The plot which has taken a rather dirty dimension as the adviser is now bent on causing a rift between the Deputy Governor and the Governor in a bid the play out the nefarious script of the Deputy Speaker.

In all of this, the deputy speaker has maintained an innocent front to avoid exposure of his treachery to the Governor. He has been boosting that the same Pastor that prayed for the Governor has also prayed for him to be the next Deputy Governor hence the motive behind his cat fight to become politically dominant at the cost of the electorate. 

Unveiled! How Suswam Looted Benue

A peep into how the finances of Benue State were looted by officials in the administration of Gabriel Suswam, the immediate past governor of the state have begun to emerge with mind boggling revelations on government expenditures.
These revelations were contained in a two-volume report submitted to Governor Samuel Ortom Wednesday at the old Banquet Hall in the Peoples Government House, Makurdi by the 16-member Transistion Committee, led by its Chairman Transition Mr Mike Iordye.

In his seven page speech, the Transition Committee Chairman disclosed that "during the tenure of the immediate past administration in the state, there was very high level of impunity in the business of governance. There appeared to be a calculated atmosphere of confusion, as governmnet institutions like that Civil Service Commission that would have ordinarily provided the needed direction, championed the course of impunity in the state."
The committee also announced that investigations showed that the former administration left a debt burden of over N130billion.
A preliminary report had indicated that the state owed 90bilion.
Consequently, the Committee observed that throughout the eight year tenure of the last PDP administration in the state led by Suswam, "rules, regulations and procedures governing the conduct of government business were brazenly set aside. This facilitated the subsequent massive corruption, fraud and naked theft of government funds which took pla in the state."
For example, Iordye further stated that "contracts were heavily inflated" with many of them "abandoned across the MDA's, especially at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Environment and Urban Development, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Government House, and the ministry of Water Resources and it's parastatal, BERWASA. This happened after the contractors had collected huge sums of money."
Apart from the huge debt profile the Suswam administration left behind, there were questionable expenditures carried out by officials of the state in the past administration.
One of such blatant disregard to prudence in the expenditure of the state finances is how a whopping sum of over N6.507billion meant for SURE-P, a federal government initiative in the state with a total receipt of N7.743billion disappeared and was not accounted for leaving a paltry total expenditure at N1.236billion from May, 2012 to December,2014.
The committe also found out that in 2014, a stockbroking firm known as M/S Elizir Securities were mandated by the former Benue state Governor Suswam through the former State Commissioner of finance, Hon. Omadachi Oklobia to "sell down N10 billion worth of stock" belonging to the state governmnet. After the sales, the "sum of N8,368,699,932.30 was subsequently realised".
However, out of this amount, the "committee found out that a sum of N5.3 billion was paid into a Zenith Bank Account No. 1013852648 which was found to be an expenditure account of the ministry of finance. The other Zenith Bank account No. 1013677218 where the sum of N2,068,699,932.30 was paid into was found not to belong to Ministry of Finance or any agency of the Benue state government."
Unfortunately, the transition committee told the governor that "all efforts by the committee to trace the identity or owner of the account failed as neither BIPC nor Elixir securities were willing to co-operate."
Another questionable financial transactions discovered against the administration of Suswam was how the "sum of N4,364,653,985,00 was said to have been transfered to government treasury from the expenditure account of the ministry of finance, while the sum of N355,931,979.00 was transferred back to BIPC and the balance of N534,700,000.00 was withdrawn and paid in cash on curious expenditure heads within just four months.
A close look at the books of the state showed that on October 17, 2014, the sum of N60Million was alleged to have been spent on a what the officials termed "Military Retreat," while the sums of N500million, N45million and N128million was withdrawn on 14th and 20th November, 2014 as well as January 12, 2015 under a "Government House expenditure" account purported to be augmentation of the accounts of the seat of government.
On January 13th and 14th, 2015, officials in the Benue state Government House under Suswam again withdrew cash in two tranches to the tune of N100million and N17million while another phoney cash withdrawal under what they called "UBA Capital" to the tune of N29.7million was made.
On the debt profile of the state, the Committee discovered that as at the time the administration of Ortom took over, arrears of pensions and gratuties stood at over N16.7billion, arrears of salaries were over N9.5billion while contractual obligations was N72.03billion. Commercial bank loans stood at N11.129billion, CBN loans N585million, State Revenue Bond N9.694billion, Foreign Loans N9.818billion with judgement debt standing at N1.236billion totalling over N130billion.
The committee revealed that inspite of glaring financial recklessness disvovered, it had not taken a look at the local government debts "except arrears of pension and gratuity which was presented by the local government pension Board to be N10,065,633,415.26."
Iordye who was at one time Head of Service in the Suswam administration explained that in the course of its work, "the committee found with utmost dismay that there were many industries in the state and other commercial investments and a large number of them were on lease for long periods of time at ridiculously low prices."
As one of ways for the committee to get to the root of some false declarations in the handover notes, the Committee on Friday 3rd July, 2015 undertook the inspection tour of Oju local government are to "confirm the existence" of 751 non existent boreholes claimed to have been sunk by the Benue state Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, BERWASA.
Committee Chairman called on the state government to recover these monies immediately.
The committee's five-point term of reference included among others;
*to study the handing over notes of the immediate past administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon Gabriel Torwua Suswam, interact with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State Public Service and ascertain the state of Affairs as at the time of handover.
*To ascertain the assets of the state including physical assets and investments,
*To ascertain the level of indebtedness of the state including commercial Bank Loans, State Revenue Bond; Arrears of Pensions and Arrears of Gratuities, indebtedness to contractors, judgement debts; Foreign Loans; Arrears of Salaries; and CBN loans;
* To review the revenue collection machinery of the state with a view to improving revenue generation; and
*To consider any other matter incidental to the smooth take off of government.
Members of the 16 member Transition Committee include Mike Iordye, Akange Audu, Arc Joe Kyaagba, Terwase Orbunde, Barr Tagema Takema, Maj-Gen Lawrence Onoja (rtd) as well as Prof Johnson Onah.
Others are Prof Steve Ugbah, Rhoda Ako, Hon Titus Zam, Paul Udenyi, Patricia Kupchi, Dr Christopher Obilikwu Obute, Mrs Helen Bendega, Nancy Awuese Torhee as well as Boniface Nyaakor, the director of EXCO who also served as secretary of the committee

Benue Government Inaugurates Probe Committee Members

The Benue State governor,  Samuel Ortom today inaugurated two committees to probe the activities of the state government from June 2007 to May 2015.
The two committees were tasked with the verification of funds accrued to the state and received  from the federal government as well as government assets within the time frame including revenue.

The fund verification committee was tasked with ascertaining the quantum of shares/stock owned by the Benue state in  companies or enterprises. And the status of such shares, including the circumstances that led to the sale of state owned shares/stock and their worth or value and also identify the investors who bought these shares/stock and determine whether the transactions followed due process of law.
The team which comprises of seven members namely; Hon Justice E N Kpojime ( chairman), Barr JI Abaagu, Rev Prof Francis Wegh, Dr Christopher Obute, Jacob Mulya, Mr Sekegh Akaa(secretary, Michael Albert (Lead counsel), were also mandated to Ascertain the whereabout of the proceeds of the sale of such shares, determine if government of Benue state has any equity left in the said companies and value of such equity and also if funds realised above were appropriated.
They are also to find out the application and utilisation of such funds while establishing misappropriation if any and identify the person or persons involved, as well as recommend appropriate actions to the government.
Also inaugurated was the sale/lease of government assets commission of inquiry which also comprised of six members namely;  Barrister Moses Atagher (chairman), Mr Ngutor Anyam, Barr omale omale, Prof moses ogbaje, Rep commissioner of police, Mr Andrew Amee(Secretary).
The commission was tasked with the responsibility of identifying all government properties that have been sold/leased since June 2007 and determine the status and correct value of such properties as at time of sale.
It will also dentify those who bought or took on lease such properties and in case of lease determine what improvements have been made and the subsisting interest of government in transaction, determining the value of the sale / lease and establish whether the transactions were in the interest of the government and if due process was followed.
The commission will determine whether the terms of the lease agreement have been complied with and generally review all such transactions and advise government on the appointment so actions in the interest of the people and good governance.
Both committees were given six months to submit their report

Ortom Announces Portfolios For Commissioners and Special Advisers

After a three-day retreat organised at the Benue Peoples' House organised for Commissioners and Special Advisers,  governor Samuel Ortom assigned portfolios to commissioners and special advisers who were earlier sworn in without portfolios.

He made the announcement today evening at the end of a three-day retreat at the Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House.
The portfolios are as follows:
*Michael Gusa – Justice
*David Olofu - Finance
*Odeh Ageh - Information and Orientation
*Emmanuel Manger- Works and Transport
*Nick Wende - Water Resources and Environment
*Mwuese Mnyim – Women Affairs
*Professor Dennis Ityavyar – Education, Science and Technology
*James Anbua – Agriculture
*Sekav Iyortyom- Arts, Culture and Tourism
*Onoja Lawrence- Youths and Sports
*John Otokpa- Housing and Urban Development
*Dr Tersoo Kpelai- Industry, Trade and Investment
*Dr Cecilia Ojabo- Health and Human Services
SPECIAL ADVISERS
*Alhaji Isah Usman – Monitoring and Evaluation
*Bureau for Lands and Survey – Professor Jonathan Uever
*Ethics and Value Orientation – Godwin Idoko
*Special Duties – Arc Joe Kyaagba
*Agro Business – Simon Abua Yajir
*Religious Affair and Civil Society – Rev Joseph Ogezi
*Gender – Joseph Odaudu
*Media and ICT – Tahav Agerzua
*SME’s and Micro Financing – Dr. Austine Idogah
*Employment and Labor Matters Barrister Patricia Kupchi
*Rural Development – Tsenongo Abancha
*Development Cooperation, MDG’s and NEPAD-Dr Mrs Dura
*Research and Strategy – Dr. Adzer Abya
*Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs-Titus Zam
*Legislative and Inter-Governmental Affairs
*Security – Col Edwin Jando rtd
*Economic Investment – Dr Bem Melladu
*Political Affairs – Sarwuan Tarnongo

MURDER OF ATOZA IHINDAN: FAMILY POINTS FINGER AT GOVERNOR ORTOM’S CSO, PETITION POLICE IG

The family of murdered PDP chieftain and elder statesman, Chief Atoza Ihindan, MFR, have disclosed their suspicion of the Chief Security Officer to the Benue State Governor, Dickson Orlu Pawa, and one other as masterminds of the murder and have written to the Inspector General of Police.

The family made this known through Mr Terfa Atoza, a former Commissioner under former governor Gabriel Suswam, in a press statement today in Abuja.

Mr Atoza’s press statement is as follows:

Gentlemen of the Press

It is with a heavy heart that I address you today on the gruesome murder of my father, Late Rt. Hon. Atoza Ihindan (MFR), who was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and caucus chairman of the party in Benue Northeast senatorial district.

As widely reported by most of you, my father had gone out to inspect the perimeter fence of a property within Katsina-Ala town last Friday in company of a police escort and aide before two hired killers who rode on a motorcycle, came and shot him at close range. He died on the spot.

I condemn the dastardly act and call on all well meaning citizens of this country to join me in doing so, particularly that my father did not do anything to warrant being assassinated.

While the police are doing their best to unearth the identity of the killers, I am constrained to state that I strongly suspect Superintendent of Police, Dickson Orlu Pawa, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Samuel Ortom who was the Aide De Camp to former Governor Gabriel Suswam for seven years five months and Mr. Moses Anaana, (alias Anaana J.) as the masterminds of my father’s assassination.

I have already filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police stating my reasons why I suspect these men.
I am particularly distressed about the political assassinations in Nigeria. The killing of people because of political differences is reprehensible and does not help our efforts to build democracy in this country. Human life is sacred and those that deprive other humans of their life should be held to account for their crimes. I call on you to assist me to bring the killers of my father to book and to be vigilant so that together we can put away this sad horrendous activity from our national life.

Meanwhile the Police have arrested 14 suspects in connection with the murder.

State Police Public Relations’ Officer, ASP Austin Ezeani in a statement to The Guardian yesterday said one of those apprehended is suspected of being the one who fired the shot that killed Chief Atoza, a woman and her baby in Katsina-Ala local government area of the State.

Ezeani said that the suspect was arrested with bullet wounds on his leg, adding that an AK47 gun loaded with 128 rounds of live ammunition was also found on him.

“Those arrested are assisting the police with useful information in unraveling the perpetrators of these dastardly acts for prosecution. We are also mopping up arms from those who are not embracing the amnesty program of the State governor,” Ezeani explained.

Exposed! How Suswam robbed Benue of N500million revenue

More facts have emerged how former Benue state Governor, Gabriel Suswam aided the defrauding of the state in Internally Generated Revenue, IGR running close to half a billion naira.

It is not clear how much of this may have been carried out against the state in other sectors through this official conspiracy.

Investigations reveal that from 2007 to 2015,  Suswam as the governor of Benue state, deliberately aided other officials in his government in bleeding the state of revenue through official negligence and deliberate policy more than anyone else in the past.

Incidentally, the former governor's tenure ended on a sour note as his administration could hardly meet financial obligations to civil servants where salaries, allowances, pension and gratuity were owed upto 12 billion naira.

Available records indicate that the former governor recklessly approved waivers on land charges to his wife, Arc Yemisi Suswam, family, friends and political associates at the detriment of the poor financial status of the state amounting to over N500 million.

Not withstanding the dwindling revenue that accrued to the state, Governor Suswam indulged in flagrant abuse of his offace by indiscriminately approving waiver applications.

In one of such waiver letters with Ref No: Q/26/XIII/5 dated 26th May, 2015 and signed by Eugene Ivase,  former Permanent Secretary,  Governmnet House administration to the former Commissioner of Lands and Survey, the former governor approved the waiver of land charges in favour of Sev-Av Foundation,  a supposedly non profit organisation floated by his wife to the tune of over N30.9 million.

The letter, entitled: Re: Application for Waiver of Land Charges reads: "His Excellency,  the executive governor of Benue state,  Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam,  PhD, CON has approved waiver of land charges amounting to N30,932,800.00 (Thirty Million, Nine hundred and thirty two thousand, eight hundred naira) only in favour of Sev-Av Foundation."

Ivase concluded in the one page letter which was copied to the coordinator of the Sev-Av Foundation, "find His Excellency's approval on the attached copy of the letter dated 11th May,2015, please."

It was learnt from officials of the Ministry of Lands and Survey that many of such waiver letters were sent to the land registry thereby robbing the state off in revenue that would have impacted positively on the development of the state.

Sources in the ministry of finance, agriculture and works gave hints of similar flagrant abuses encouraged by the past administration thereby siphoning monies that would have come into the state coffers as revenue to personal pockets of family, friends and political hangers on who were patronised just to keep the state perpetually broke and at the whims of the former governor and his allies.

Court Sacks Benue PDP lawmaker

The Federal High Court, sitting in Makurdi, has sacked a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Oju 2 State Constituency, Mr. Mathew Ire, of the Peoples Democratic Party over illegal substitution of name.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on Wednesday ordered that Ire, who contested the PDP House of Assembly primaries on November 29, 2014 alongside the plaintiff, Agi Adigwu and Jairus Erube, the then incumbent Assembly member.

At the December party primaries, Ire, who was declared winner, scored 10 votes while Adigwu polled 11 votes and Erube got five votes.

The party however handed the party flag to Ire and subsequently declared the PDP’s candidate.

He won the election and the Independently National Electoral Commission issued him a Certificate of Return.

Adigwu had approached the Federal High Court to seek redress, praying the court to reverse the decision of the party concerning the outcome of the primary.

Justice Nyako ruled that it was illegal for the PDP to substite the name of the winner of the primaries and fielding Ire, who did not score the highest number of votes.

Nyako ordered that the PDP Assembly member, who had been inaugurated, be removed from the seat immediately.

She also directed INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ire and issue the certificate to Adigwu, who should be sworn in.

Suswam's DG Arrested for Culpable Homicide

The  Director-General for the failed senatorial bid of former governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, Mr. Terfa Atii has been arrested by the police in the state for culpable homicide.

Hon.  Terfa Atii

Mr. Atii, who represented Ushongo/Kwande federal constituency between 2003 and 2007 in the House of Representative is now cooling his heels behind bars at police AIG zone 4 for allegedly been responsible for the murder of a 14-year old girl, Terkumbur Aguji.

According to investigations, the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain had invaded a polling unit in Ushongo local government area with armed thugs during the April 11 senatorial election with the intent to snatch INEC ballot papers to enable him thumbprint in favour of his party.

It was gathered that when the plan was foiled by the voters, the thugs started shooting sporadically during which a stray bullet hit the innocent girl who was rushed to the Wantor Hospital in the local government where she later died.

One of the thugs who accompanied the former lawmaker on the mission, and who allegedly identify the victim as coming from Atii's rivals in the land tussle, is also said to be the one who fired the shot when a stray bullet hit the girl.

The killing of the girl it was learnt, triggered off violent protests as youths on a revenge mission, burn down a house belonging to the PDP chieftain.
According to a police Exhibit marked 'A' which contains the police report, the case was reported to the police on April 11 at the police headquarters in Makurdi.

When contacted, the state command's Public Relations Officer, ASP Austin Ezeani denied knowledge of the petition, but a police officer at the AIG headquarters where Mr. Atii is currently cooling his heels who spoke to our correspondent but preferred to be anonymous said the former lawmaker was in detention on the orders of his boss.

A lawyer handling the case, Barrister James Shior of Joe Abaagu Chambers also confirmed the incidence said the thugs came in a vehicle with Mr. Atii to snatch the electoral materials, adding that the matter has been reported to the police.

You Are Still Our Members, Benue PDP to Ortom and Nick Eworo

Dr. Samuel Ortom

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), has declared that the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom and Hon. Nick Eworo who was the centre of the recent brawl at the Benue State House of Assembly remain members of the party.

This was made known by the State Chairman of the party, Chief Emmanuel Agbo,  during a press briefing in Makurdi today.

According to Agbo the Benue State governor who was voted on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ),  remains a bona fide member of the party because he had not satisfied all conditions necessary for a member of his calibre to leave the party.

Speaking further the party chairman declared that the PPDP remains the majority party in the house as according to him,  Nick Eworo was not expelled from the party as he claims. He said the ward executive which were claimed to have expelled Nick lacks the the powers to expell a members of Nick's standing.

He however advised that if Nick Eworo wanted to, leave the party he was free to but will be required to follow laid down guidelines which involve relinquishing the party’s mandate to face a fresh election, perchance he still desired to remain in the Assembly. 

Meanwhile, the party has also chided the APC describing the recent election of Hon. Gabriel Adanyi as a show of desperation.  Chief Agbo said the manner in which the APC is eager to take over the Assembly leadership is proof of the fact that they only stole the mandate they now claim to have.
Culled from atiterkula.wordpress.com

Is Borrowing From The Bank To Pay Benue Workers The Solution?

On Thursday the Benue house of assembly gave governor Ortom the go ahead to borrow N10billion from the bank to offset workers' salary arrears. This didn't come as a surprise. In a meeting with activists, students and opinion leaders when Mr Ortom came into office,he said the debt he inherited from his predecessor is N90billion-N50billion for ongoing contracts, N18billion for certified ones, N10billion for bonds

and bank loans and N12billion for salaries and arrears. He went ahead to say that for him to at least pay one month salary across board and “ensure the take-off of the executive and legislative arms” he needs to borrow and that he has received offers from some banks. when it was all over the news that the Benue state house of assembly has approved the request of the executive to borrow, many people especially on social media wondered aloud if borrowing to offset debt is the way to go.

Borrowing from the bank to pay Benue workers is a very popular decision. Benue workers want to get paid. They deserve to be paid. They have incurred so much debt as a result of non-payment of salaries for close to six(6) months. I heard schools don't even send children home for not paying school fees because they understand it won't make any difference. Doing anything humanly possible to pay at least a month's salary will receive the support of almost everybody, but not everything that is popular is the right thing.

I don't understand the wisdom behind incurring debt to discharge debt. If the people's governor inherited N90billion debt and is still going ahead to borrow N10billion to offset some of it and get government going,is he not increasing the debt? Come to think of it,which generation will finally carry the burden of paying back? The usual question is where will Governor Ortom get the money to pay workers if he doesn't borrow and some have supported the idea by lecturing whoever cares to listen about “refinancing”.

I understand that borrowing is not a bad idea but borrowing to pay salaries is a bad idea. Government all over the world borrow money for different reasons but under normal circumstances it is more wise for government to borrow money to increase production capacity and economic growth. I know the circumstances in Benue are not normal, they are more abnormal given that even in our days of plenty we were borrowing and we are still borrowing in these difficult times. Let's think about this,if borrowing from banks to pay salaries was the solution, why are other governors not doing so to pay salaries?

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun who is owing workers for up to eight(8) months said he began finding it difficult to pay salaries in 2013 when the Federal allocation of Osun state reduced by 40%. He also noted that in his effort to pay workers and carry out his responsibilities, he has exhausted the state's reserve and also incurred debt of N12billion. He also said he will not mind collecting bank loans to pay workers but banks are refusing to grant him more loans. If what the governor of the state of Osun said is true, then borrowing N10billion to pay salaries and get government running is good in the short-term but a disaster in the long run.

Note that governor Ortom intends to pay just one(1) month across board and ensure the take-off of government activities. Mind you workers haven't been paid for five(5) months, so how will the remaining arrears be settled? I just hope he won't be going to the bank to borrow another billions. If we can learn anything from the Osun experience, then we must know that time will come when banks will no longer be willing to give loans. Governor Ortom must find another way out.

The Benue state Secretary to the State Government(SSG) also spoke on channels TV about some options the government was looking at exploring to generate revenue to take care of the salary problem like increasing internally generated revenue and cutting cost of governance. They must also do more by investing in areas that will increase production capacity and economic growth. There are countries that are smaller and less endowed than Benue State but are prosperous independent countries, so there is no reason for us to be stranded because of poor federal allocation. I always tell whoever care to listen that Benue state is not an ordinary State but it has remained so because ordinary people have been leading us for a long time.

I understand that the task before the people's governor is not easy. It takes little effort and time to destroy but the opposite is the case when trying to build. So much has been destroyed but it is in difficulties that greatness is revealed. These are unusual times that demand thinking outside the box. If we must borrow money, let's borrow not just to take care of the needs of Benue workers who are just about 20,000 people; let's borrow to harness our potentials to benefit the over 4million people in Benue state. That is the only way we can one day pay these accumulated debts. I understand that governor Ortom has an economic team and my opinion may be considered as the opinion of an ignorant small boy that didn't even study economics or accounting but I decided to lend my voice as an ordinary citizen who is always at the receiving end of every government decision and also as someone who believe in the power of learning from the experiences of others. Before governor Ortom borrow billions to pay Benue workers, he should give a thought on the experience of the state of Osun.

Bemdoo Hulugh is an active citizen and he writes from Makurdi
You can also interact with him on tweeter @bumy04

Between 90 and 9 Billion: The need to set the Records Straight

By Simon Hwande
Penultimate week the news that became rave in Benue State and the nation indeed was the information that the state's debt profile amounted to 90 Billion instead of the 9 billion Naira earlier quoted by Suswam in his handover notes.

This news has become an item of propaganda and discourse with many chastising the outgone governor with serious show of sympathy for the present state governor.  This sympathy whether right or wrong, is a matter for another discourse. This is even as it is no longer news that Gabriel Suswam may have squandered the state's resources as claimed, however it will only be wise if we get issues right and set the records straight to clear all misconceptions that may arise from this bogus figure of 90 Billion Naira.
Loans are meant to be paid and are also certainly a burden on the state's purse and will affect the running of the government in the long run, be that as it may, it will only be proper that the right loan position of the state br understood.
In his declaration of the state's debt position, Governor Samuel Ortom listed the debts as N50 billion for ongoing contracts, N18 billion for certified ones, N12 billion for salary arrears and about ten billion for bonds and bank loans.
The breakdown of the debts as presented above will also not be questioned or contested however the import of such loan subheads is the real reason for this discourse.
Prior to the swearing-in of the new administration and through out the campaign era, there was serious demonisation of the Suswam administration for owing salaries and pensions, little mind was given to the fact that there was a general global crunch with a huge debt accumulation by many states.
It rather vindicating today to realise that Gabriel Suswam was not the architect of the state's financial situation As about 17 states have been revealed to be owing salaries with Osun state on the top of the list having over six months in the same league with Benue. It will be so unfair to demonise the previous administration on this basis. It may be corrupt and irresponsible but let's remember when it rains, all homesteads are affected.
As analysed by the governor himself, majority of the loans which amount to a huge sum as 50 million Naira would be morally wrong to be categorised as a loan since it is accrued to contracts that are actually in progress and thus technically nobody owes anyone 50 billion Naira as till such a project is completed the contractor lacks the locus standi to demand payment.
The inclusion of bonds which was estimated to about ten billion Naira, smacks more of some form of mild mischief as a peek into the debt history of the state it will be revealed that the state has prior to Suswam's administration been indebted via loans and were inherited by Suswam on inception. Even as the state may owe that much let the administration be honest enough to show which of these bonds were acquired during Suswam's era and those which were not accrued by him.
For every relationship and structure a solid foundation is essential,  which is why it is essential that this administration starts with a concrete foundation built on trust and fairness by first and foremost coming out clear on this and other issues.
It is on this previous premise that I here wish to enjoin this government which has been dutifully voted and supported by the masses that the Ortom administration is enjoined to shift fro  the customary blame game and embark on a confidence building campaign by making known the buffers set to forestall such reoocurent indebtedness alongside an economic progress plan as a divergent from our known norm of business as usual to the expected change.
Even as it generally perceived that the administration is too early to achieve certain gains however as it is believed in the African parlance that a left handed child starts from birth thus it is never too early to prove his mettle.
Finally it is also an acclaimed saying that nobody is totally bad, there is certainly an iota of goodness in such a person. It is in this vein that it will only be proper that in our chastity of Suswam's era and policies there should be a meticulous look at such policies as he also made some giant moves and laid solid foundation policies which should be built upon.

Benue APC Crisis : Abba Yaro AttacksMembers

All is certainly not well with the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Benue State as the crisis has taken a bloody turn as yesterday the state chairman, Comrade Abba

Add caption

Yaro reportedly led some group of political thugs to attack party chieftains during a meeting in Makurdi, the State capital.

The attack it was gathered was as a result of a disagreement which arose during a meeting held at Monatel Hotel, Makurdi, to resolve the issue of appointments in Ogbadibo.

It was learnt that apart from the Deputy Governor, others at the meeting were Tony Odo, the Ogbadibo Local Government Campaign Coordinator for Ortom/Abounu and Chief Johnson Agada, the APC Leader of the same local government.

It was gathered that Chief Agada and other party leaders had insisted that in the interest of justice and equity, it was the turn of Orokam District to produce the Caretaker Chairman, and more so, the district gave APC 100 percent.

Orokam and Owukpa had previously produced caretaker chairman of the local government.

However, this opinion did not go down well with Yaro, who argued that his candidate, Benson Audu was the best man for the job.


He claimed that the Governor had given him the complete control of the council as compensation for his role in the Party’s victory.

According to eye witness report, shortly after the Deputy Governor had left the hotel, Abba Yaro, the State APC Chairman, who got wind of the meeting, stormed the hotel about 11.30pm with 6 thugs who beat up Tony Odo mercilessly, upon citing him.

“He severally asked of the whereabouts of Chief Johnson Agada, before he broke a plastic chair on the head of his candidate’s opponent, Tony Odo and he subsequently ordered his boys to stab him on his ear.

“Agada narrowly escaped the attack after which he put a call across to the Deputy Governor to report the incident.


“The victim was taken to a hospital in Makurdi where doctors are battling to save his life”, the source hinted.

Speaking further, the eyewitness said, all memebers present at the meeting were shocked beyond words at the conduct of the APC Chairman, Yaro.

“Honestly, Yaro got himself practically involved in thuggery as he was itching to fight but was successfully restrained by the APC Zonal Chairman for Benue South (Zone C) Murtala Mohammed, who accompanied him”, he added.

When contacted, Agada APC leader in Ogbadibo, he confirmed the ugly incident, saying that Yaro had even at a recent caucus meeting in Ogbadibo averred that the local government belonged to him.

His words, “I’m not surprised because he had vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone who opposes his choice of caretaker Chairman, Benson Audu from Otukpa District. His insistence on Audu and willingness to destroy the party is not based on justice, equity or merit but personal aggrandizement.

“He came because of me but when I heard what was going on, I refused to come out of my hotel hotel room. I heard him shouting ‘where is Agada’, before he ordered his boy to cut off one of Odo’s ears and they left the scene”.

Another party member who does not want his name in print confirmed the incident, said Yaro had always operated with the highest level of impunity.

“He moves around with a team of Police who have thugs embedded.

“At the Kangaroo stakeholders meeting he organized recently in Ogbadibo, he used the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to intimidate his opponents out of the venue.

“His continued stay in office as State Party Chairman will cost the party and the state dearly. He has never been an asset but a great liability”, he said.

However the  the police authorities, have denied knowledge of the incident.

When contacted, Abba Yaro said he was in Abuja at the time the said incident occurred.

He added that it was lies concocted by some persons to rubbish his hard earned name and reputation

Of Jime and Imposition

"SEN. AKUME: By blatantly disregarding the laws of the land and importing a PDP person who never contested the seat in APC, the allegations of your candidate imposition and tyranny comes alive yet

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime

again. These undemocratic stance are part of why our party the APC is afraid of entrusting you with bigger responsibilities. Do away with bias, focus on merit and regard for law then maybe, just maybe you will become the national leader that your potential truly possesses."- Gwaza Ibn Madaki ( Jime's Former Legislative Aide on Facebook)

It has become a pastime for aides and followers of Rt Hon Emmanuel Jime to at very turn, paint Senator George Akume in very bad light. The reason or reasons for this is not far fetched. Sen Akume whom Hon Jime had hopped will swerve support in his favour to win the All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial ticket in Benue state lost under circumstances many qualify as not too tidy. This we all agree. And yes, Akume had done Jime this sort of favour (imposition) in the past. That is why he was all round Sen Akume when he defected to the APC ahead of the 205 general elections, believing that such a feat might be repeated.

Flash back:

In the run up to the 2007 elections, Sen Akume was rounding up his second term as governor of Benue state. The elections into various offices were up. For Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon Cletus Upaa, one time Accountant-General of Benue state, himself an Ihyarev man had spent 8 years in the lower chambers of the National Assembly. And so Barr Pius Chagu, former Chairman of Makurdi Local government and also a former chief executive of Lower Benue River Basin Authority alongside Pharmacist John Enger were the front line aspirants for the Makurdi/Guma Federal seat. Enger  was later elected Council chairman of Guma Local Government.

In one of such informal political meetings in the governmnet house with some selected leaders of the PDP from MINDA axis, Sen Akume, the governor of Benue state then, demanded that 'the Speaker' be asked to come forward to contest the House of Representatives seat. Many assumed it was Hon Stephen Tsav who was seen to be closer to Akume. On further enquiries, it was discovered that Akume actually wanted Hon Jime. And that is how Hon Jime's current political profile took off after his not so impressive legal practice in Abuja.

Sen Akume facilitated Jime's nomination even after he lost the PDP primaries coming a distant third position to Hon Pius Chagu and Hon John Enger. Chagu has not forgiven Akume for this action. Jime went on to win the election proper with finances coming from the former governor. Was this not an imposition? Did Chagu release his aides to keep on insulting Senator Akume?

Imposition in Nigerian politics is akin to the second nature of political leaders in this clime. From age to age, these leaders who emerged have indulged in this same attitude. Most political office holders are beneficiaries of this 'undemocratic' brand of politicking. Interestingly,  it has served us as a people which is why godfatherism thrives in our political dictionary. It's even worse in developing democracies just like ours. Here, individuals who control the levers of power in these parties are more powerful than the party itself. Do a checklist. From JS Tarka to Paul Unongo, Sen Barnabas Gemade, Sen Akume, Sen. David Mark, Rt Gabriel Torwua Suswam. Just name them. And the list is endless.

Now, do i subscribe to impunity and disregard to democratic tenets? Definitely not. So what is my argument?  Simple: Jime and his league of supoorters, should eschew bitterness and stop painting Senator Akume in bad light. The emergence of Samuel Ortom as Benue state Governor may have been untidy but the exigencies of the time warranted it.  Besides, Jime has been a beneficiary of Akume's imposition in the past. It's therefore not strange for him to be a victim now. Pius Chagu and Hon John Enger did not take the PDP to court simply because they were badly treated by the party leader in favour of Hon Jime.

All said, Jime should be advised to continue to be a faithful party loyalist. As it stands now, the earlier he sees reason and respect party hierarchy, the better. If not, when the books of the FCTA are opened for scrutiny, his role as House Committee Chairman of the FCT will come under searchlight. Who knows how his millions came that he approached the governorship race with so much gusto and pride? Who knows if he was remotely connected to some non executed contracts in the administration of Senator Bala Muhammed as Minister of the FCT?

Suswam, Tsegba in 2 billion Naira SME Grant Face Off

The recent Small and Medium Scale Enterprises grant has set the former Speaker Protempore,  Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba on a war path with the Benue State governor, Dr Gabriel Suswam.
According to information from the office of the Benue Finance Commissioner,  the grant which was initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN), to the tune of Two Billion Naira, was supposed to be shared amongst  Micro finance Banks under the SME support scheme.
The grant which was intended to be shared between two micro finance Banks namely Jamis MFB and Excellence MFB which Hon. Tsegba has majority shares. The state government under the agreement,  was supposed to provide collateral for the loan meant to be disbursed to farmers and Small business owners.
After reaching all the requirements for the loan as stipulated by the CBN, the various banks advertised these loans and have received various sums as processing fee for the loan from intending borrowers.
This process which has already run into four months, it was gathered that is delayed because although the money has been disbursed from the CBN,  the state governor and his ally Mr. OmOmadachi Oklobia have demanded cuts from the sum.
Dr. Suswam is said to have taken as according to him,  on behalf of the government One Billion Naira as it's share while Mr. Oklobia is believed to have carted away 100 million which he claims is transaction fee and percentage acrueable to the ministry for service rendered, leaving the balance of 900,000.00 to be shared by the two MFBs.
This scenario is the reason for the current feud between Tsegba and his erstwhile friend, Suswam whom Tsegba has threatened to drag to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ),  after May 29 if the whole sum is not released to the various financial institutions as promised.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION :THE NEED TO SANITISE BENUE STATE CIVIL SERVICE (Part 1)

As the clock ticks towards may 29th 2015,which will witness another transition from civilian regime ,it will be more meaningful to put it that this transition is very significant in the lives of Nigerian's and Benue State indigenes in particular.Significant in the sense that it is not going to be business as usual again,it is not a transition from same hands as it has been seen in the past,it is a transition from an old government to a new government,from an old president to a new president,from an old governor for Benue state to a new Governor,from a party that ruled for sixteen years (PDP) to a new party with new ideologies the (APC).
Facts abound that the PDP lead Government was characterised by massive irregularities,inflicting pain and anguish on the people especially in the last four years under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Nigeria as a nation have witness significant decay in all sectors which lead to the collapse of the economy.
Taking Benue state as our focal point,the Government under the leadership of Governor Gabriel Suswam performed abysmally ,turning civil servants into beggers and rediculing them with its policy of non payment of civil servant's salaries,pensioners monthly pay and gratuity.
Schools from primary level to tertiary institutions have been in comatose,development has been arrested owing to the activities of a few egocentric self styled politicians who collaborate with top civil servants.
With the stage set for a new dawn come may 29th,Nigerian's from all works of life are calling for an inquest in the dealing of the outgoing PDP administration at all levels,General Mohammadu Buhari fondly called "mai gaskia" and in Benue state Dr.Samuel Ortom "the workman" are urged by the electorates to probe the preceding administration.
In Benue state the Governor elect Dr.Samuel Ortom have promised to make sure corrupt officials are held responsible for their crimes,it is on this premise that Concerned Benue Citizens open a little on some corrupt civil servant's who collaborated with the excutive to defraud the state .
This piece is a reminder to the incoming Governor Dr.Samuel Ortom that corruption has eaten deep in the fabric of the state civil service and for sanity , the fight to liberate Benue state from its present financial logjam and economic Sabotage should not spare the following people;
*Mrs Ijir (permanent secretary ministry of Finance)
*Mr Asen Sambe (permanent secretary Bureau of local Government and Chieftaincy affairs
*Mr Peter Torjun (permanent Secretary)
*Mr Isaiah Ipevnor (Accountant Bureau for local government and Chieftaincy affairs)
*Mrs Beatrice Tsavbu (DAF local government pensions board).
The names overleaf are names of top civil servants who are under the pay role of Government as career civil servants but participate actively in politics and dirty businesses,alas Benue state civil service rules warn civil servants not to involve themselves into fraudulent financial escapades and partisan politics.
Concerned Benue Citizens wish to state categorically that the above mentioned are broad day politicians and partakes in swindling the state of several millions.
For instance Mrs Ijir from logo gave money for procurement of arms which were used during the last elections to unleash mayhem on innocent civilians ,leaving four APC agents dead and scores injured,she is a conduit pipe to which monies are withdrawn from Government coffers through a middle man one EGE to Joseph Tsavsar(Joe K) who finally stacka it in the Governors private accounts.
Detail of transactions will come in part 2 of this write up.
Mr Asen Sambe and Mr Isaiah Ipevnor Both are indigenes of Kwande local Government area ,all of them are signatories to the account's of Bureau for local Government and chieftaincy affairs,Concerned Benue Citizens have authoritatively gathered that the duo as civil servants have become billionaires overnight,Buying houses in choice areas ,building estates and hotels across Nigeria,they are active politicians and sponsored militia activities in  Kwande local Government to disrupt elections in the just concluded general elections,as core civil servants ,they have failed in their administrative role to advice the excutive on the right decision to take in regard to the welfare of primary school teachers,local government workers, pensioners and chieftaincy matters (Abomtse's case in view).
In collaboration with Solomon wombo who is adjudged the most corrupt public officer in Suswam's administration ,they have thrown the third tier of government into redundance.
Their insatiable greed to accumulate wealth is so disgusting,they are among the financials of the defeated PDP candidates court process.
  Mr Peter Torjun, a permanent secretary in the Benue state civil service,this man need to be utterly dismissed from service because he was caught on camera by electorates running with electoral materials from the Displaced camp where the moon people of Kwande local government voted.
   Mrs Beatrice Tsavbu's activities at the local Government Pensions Board in the early 2014 when she held sway in an acting capacity when Mr Andy uwouku ,then permanent secretary resigned to pursue his political ambition needs serious scrutiny,she liased with the  chairman,civil service commission Richard Gbande who was also the Board chairman overseeing pension affairs to cart away money in droves which lead to the present day accumulated pension pay .
Details of all these transactions will be brought with pictorials and proofs in the next piece.
      It is worthy to note some of these personalities whose acts have brought so much wroth in the Benue state civil service.
       As we witness a revolution into a new dawn,and the incoming administrations stand to unravel mysterious disappearance of funds, Concerned Benue Citizens have advise the APC Government anchored by chief Samuel Ortom to Compel the State Head of service who has turned a deaf ear to all these ills to set a committee of inquiry to investigate this corrupt civil servants and deal with them accordingly as enshrined in civil service rules.
May God bless Benue state.

PDP's case in the tribunal is an assault on Benue electorate - Agbese

Philip Agbese

Civil Rights Activist Comrade Philip Agbese has described the recent case instituted against the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), Governorship candidate Chief Samuel Ortom by his defeated Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ),   opponent,  Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor as an assault on Benue electorates.
Comrade Philip Agbese who made this declaration in a text titled;  A TIME TO HEAL, lambasted the PDP for going to court against Chief Samuel Ortom after publicly accepting defeat and allowing same to settle in the minds of the people.
He likened the scenario to the Pharaoh of Egypt who suddenly ordered his armies to return the Children of Israel after he had allowed them to go. "The outcome was bad for Pharaoh and whoever has been sent on this journey should expect to perish at the red sea which Benue can not afford at the moment."
"it is a good example of Pharaoh suddenly changing his mind while the Children of God had already crossed the red sea and we therefore warn that Benue should be allowed a steady democratic journey at least for the first time in continuance of the national resolution of the PDP headquarters that has signified interest in becoming the major partner of the civil society in Nigeria.
Agbese advised the PDP to desist from distracting the new regime through court cases and concentrate on its new position as an opposition party as the Benue electorates had clearly rejected them as signified in the results at the polls.
"We respect the fact that the PDP got a sizeable number at the polls which shows that a certain population of Benue people still want them in power but we should be clear to ourselves that the overall result is a clear case of rejection and bold statement that whatever good thing in the kitty can wait till another day". He said.
According to him the PDP is afraid of its new role in both Benue state in particular and Nigeria in general. He further added that the recent appearance of the PDP and its leaders practically demonstrated arrogance during the last campaign season across the country at the election petition tribunal as a plot to derail those who have secured the mandate of the people and thus called on all and sundry to condemn the instituted court case in order to give governance a chance.

Suswam to Install Brother as Tor Sankera May 4

Despite the unconstitutional manner in which the bill for the creation of first class chiefs was signed into to law and its attendant protests, the Benue state governor, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam has finalised plans to install his elder brother, Chief Terkura Suswam Tingir as first class Chief on the 4th of May.

Five other political loyalists of the outgoing governor are also slated to benefit from the last minute gesture which has been widely condemned.

It was not clear as at the time of going to press but there are strong feelers that some concerned groups may be heading to court to challenge the action and stifle the governor's action.

According to our information pieced together, the plan has also been endorsed by the Chairman of the Benue Traditional Council, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula,  the Tor Tiv IV.

Sources in the outgoing government confirmed that Suswam is bent on installing the first class chiefs to ensure that his elder brother, Dr. Terkura Suswam is made the Tor Sankera, one of the proposed traditional chiefs.

The appointment which has received general public condemnation is said to be a means of settling his brother and some of his loyalists whom he fears will be out of power if the next government comes in.

This decision is even as the in-coming governor,  Dr. Samuel Ortom had earlier last week warned against the installation of the proposed first class chiefs as well as the ongoing hurried employment of civil servants, citing poor economic status of the state.

It could be recalled that the proposal for the creation of first class chiefdoms had earlier drawn criticism from many quarters including his loyalists amongst whom were Prof. Iorwuese Hagher,  the Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) governorship Campaign organisation and Prof. Mvendaga Jibo who wrote protest letters to the the Benue State House of Assembly,  advising against the creation.

Suswam plans last minute recruitment

With less than five weeks to the end of his tenure, the outgoing governor of Benue s

tate, Dr Gabriel Suswam has embarked on massive recruitment of over 6000 applicants for the state civil service.

This is even as the state governmnet owes public servants salaries of over 6 months and pensions that have accrued to over 11 months.

But the governor-elect, Dr Samuel Ortom has warned the outgoing administration not recruit any new applicant into the state civil service that is already compiling handover notes.

Dr Suswam is also believed to have connived with the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia and the Chairman Benue Internal Revenue Service ( BIRS ), Mr. Gabriel Asen to fast forward the salaries of the already BIRS staff numbering about 2000, who have since been absorbed into the state service without pay to effect from February 2015.

This tactic by the governor is to plant a shaky start for the incoming administration.

The plan includes to absorb all the SURE - P staff who are over 3000 and also giving the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), management an order to recruit over 700 staff under the guise of replacements which has already begun in various ministries.

The new staff who will resume duties by May, are said to have their appointments back dated several months to cover for some financial loop holes in the government where some appropriated funds cannot be accounted for, making it necessary for a sub head to be created for these monies to be expended.

This arrangement is not restricted to the state civil service alone as the Local Government Service Commission ( LGSC), has also gotten the mandate to employ an undisclosed number of staff.

It will be recalled that since the inception of Governor Suswam's administration in 2007, there was an  embargo placed on employment  and any other recruitments, this even became stringent as there emerged a paucity of funds which led to months on non-payment of salaries.

Meanwhile, the governor-elect, Dr Samuel Ortom while addressing party leaders at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi today at the Royal Choice Inn warned that any new recruitment carried out but the outgoing government after he was declared winner in the April 11 governorship polls will be reversed.

He reasoned that giving fresh appointments in the absence of unpaid salaries would amount to high insensitivity and will not be condoned.

Benue Workers to jettison Tuesday strike by Benue NLC

• Call for Anchaver's resignation

Sequel to the announcement of an intended strike action planned by the Benue State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ), Benue workers under the aegis of Benue Aggrieved Workers have distanced themselves from the strike.

The workers who have labelled the strike as self serving,  in a press release signed by their leader Bar. Uhundu Emmanuel and made available to our reporter,  said the strike organised by Comr. Simon Anchaver was illegal and called on all Benue workers to boycott the strike action.

According to Bar. Uhundu, Anchaver had lost all constitutional and moral rights to call a strike or even lead the NLC having resigned and left for partisan politics and according to the constitution of the union had since ceased being even a member of the union. 

"I wonder under what authority an Anchaver will summon labour in the state? He ceased being a member of the union the day he joined partisan politics to contest for governor. How then does a politician tell us what to dor? This is just another ploy hatched by him and his chief strategist the oldest union secretary in the state, Shimaor Joseph to get their last 30 pieces of silver before this administration bows out." He averred. 

The aggrieved workers further stated that their major grouse with the strike action was the fact that "like all other industrial actions embarked upon during Anchaver's tenure, this was another scheme to get more money from the state government using the workers as bargai