Ihongo, Mato, Baaki, Akura Adamu, Others Donate For Church Rebuilding Project In Konshisha

... Mato assures them of more support for the completion of the project 

By Terfa Naswem, Apaa Tindim

The Pointman of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in Vandeikya Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Aseer Ihongo, Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency in Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders' Forum, Iorpuu Baaki and others made donations for rebuilding of Christ the King Church, Ayila in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.

In the Sunday Mass on 30th November, 2025 officiated by Rev. Fr. Godwin Okoh Omanga, various donations were made to rebuild Christ the King Church, Ayia, Konshisha under Our Lady of the Benue Rectory, Anyorikyo, Wuese, Konshisha.

Ihongo said they once contributed to the building of the church which was destroyed by natural causes, hence, the need for making another donation for the rebuilding.

Hon. Mato commended Fr. Omanga for the significant impact he has made in ensuring that the church rebuilding project gets the needed attention to bring to completion.

Dr. Dennis Akura, Special Advisor to the Governor of Benue State on Financial and Economic Strategy, planning and Development expressed his delight in the commitment exhibited by Fr. Omanga and said they will do the needful to take the project to completion.

Hon. Iorpuu Baaki was not in attendance since he was carrying out an assignment for the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, so he sent his donation through Ihongo to the church.

The Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board in Benue State, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu who was invited by Ihongo alongside some of his friends made huge donations for the project.

Others invited by Hon. Ihongo who donated were: Dr. Vincent Gisaor, Secretary, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Elder Yawe Igo Joseph, GLO Vandeikya; Hon. D.T. Jeiyor, former supervisor, Vandeikya), Dr. Dennis Terpase Nomor, Associate Professor of Economics;  Hon. Fanyam Simon Msughter, Denen Yough, APC Chairman, Tsambe, Vandeikya; Hon. Abuul Samuel Terumbur, APC Chairman, Mbakaange; Chiv Terseer Francis, Ihongo Alexander, Principal, Government Girls College, Makurdi, Benue State.

Ihongo Consoles Ter Kunav Over Loss Of His Wife

... Prays God to grant him and his family the fortitude to bear their irreparable loss

By Terfa Naswem 

The Pointman of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in Vandeikya Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Aseer Ihongo on Friday , 28th November, 2025  bid farewell to late HRH Betty Mbapirin Achiaku, wife of Ter Kunav HRH Josephus Nyiyongo Achiaku, and console Ter Kunav and his entire family for the loss.

He commended Betty for the exceptional woman she was while on planet earth, stressing that those she made impact positively on their lives will forever remain grateful.

He deeply consoled Ter Kunav to always take solace in God Almighty who is the giver and taker of live, and prayed God to give him and his entire family the fortitude to bear their irreparable loss.

She was born on 1st May, 1962 and died on 19th November, 2025 at age 63. She was buried at HRH Josephus Nyiyongo Achiaku's compound, Branch Atser, Ningev, Vandeikya, Benue State.

Goodwill Message To Gemade As He Celebrates Golden Age

I, Engr Japhet Terlumun Igbogo heartily identify with my dear brother Mr Vandefan Gemade on his 50th birth anniversary and wish him well as he attains the golden height.

I believe it's God Almighty through his infinite mercy, grace and love that has protected and brought you this far, and it's worthy to join you return the honour in every situation, activities and equally pray for more to your life and future endeavours.

My dear brother, as you plan to join your people to celebrate with the youth, less privileged and the larger community at home, I pray God gives you the strength, long and a prosperous life, enormous wisdom and a healthier life.

I also pray for your success at this age feat, now and beyond dear brother, hearty cheers!

Signed!

Engr Japhet Terlumun Igbogo,

Konshisha State House of Assembly Hopeful, 2027.

Mato Now PPFN Petron, Benue State Chapter

By Dan Ingbar 

Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, PPFN  has presented letter of pethronship to Rt Hon. Mrs Dorathy Mato from Benue state.

Acting Regional Coordinator for North Central Nigeria, Abdullahi Muhammed Muregi in company of the Mrs Magdaline Shingel, program officer services delivery, North Central Nigeria and Mrs Sarah Igbian, Benue state  Chairperson Adult volunteers, made the presentation yesterday in Gboko.

Speaking during the event, Muhammad Muregi said, Mrs Mato's nomination to be on board will strengthen Benue state chapter which has witnessed retrogression the past few years 

The Coordinator explained that, patrons are next authority to trustees and  Mato's track record as a mobilizer, community developer with  network and institutions as well reverage is a sure bridge to save more lives in the state.

He futher informed that, PPFN will partner Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko so as to educate students  on  health benefits accrued from the Federal ministry of health.

Pointing futher that,  PPFN is known for provision  of family planning services, counseling on Hiv/Aids, Malaria, sourcing of grants to save lives and impacting IDPs while also serving as major link for donor agencies  like UNICEF among others. The coming on board of credible personalities from Benue will be of immense benefits to women and people of the state 

The Coordinator solicited the assistance of Mrs Mato to enable the organization procure a state secretariat, Which according to him, is mostly provided by state governors including Plateau, Niger, Kogi among others.

Responding, Rt. Hon.Mrs Dorathy Mato appreciated the body for finding her worthy of a patron.

In her words, "all of my life I have been into charity work and by the grace of God, I have institutions that parade capable hands so would strive to drive forward the intention of PPFN for Benue state.

She accepted to honor their invitation for formal decoration at Abuja during national executive council meeting .

She promised to assist them in the quest to have a state secretariat in Makurdi but personally promised to donate land in Vandeikya and office accommodation in Gboko for effective operation of PPFN in the areas.

Gov Alia Expresses Benue’s Readiness For Full Agricultural Mechanization

By Tersoo Kula

Governor Hyacinth Alia  has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving full agricultural mechanization in Benue State, beginning with the dry-season farming programme scheduled to commence in December 2025.

The governor gave the assurance on Monday during an inspection visit to the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, where he assessed ongoing work at the tractor and equipment assembly plant.

During the visit, Governor Alia inspected 41 newly assembled tractors of various brands and capacities, ranging from 25hp to 95hp alongside several complementary farm implements, including combine harvesters, different types of threshers, planters/fertilizer applicators, excavators, and yam mounders, among others.

He reiterated his resolve to sustain the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement entered into by the state government with Mass International & Equipment Nigeria Limited (SABASPAC Int’l Ltd.), the tripartite private-sector partner in the initiative.

According to the governor, the partnership is an initiative of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, led by Ms. Benita Shuluwa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The Agribusiness Mechanization Centre operates from the premises of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization.

Governor Alia noted that the collaboration is already yielding gains, with over 900 youths trained in tractor assembly and modern agricultural best practices.

He also inspected demonstration farms within the facility, showcasing smart seedlings of crops including papaya, cocoa, rice, and oil palm.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security to ensure that all government-owned agricultural lands are immediately earmarked for the planting and replanting of improved seedlings of oranges, mangoes, and key grains such as guinea corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum.

Governor Alia further encouraged Benue farmers to take advantage of the improved seedlings already available at the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, stressing that enhanced inputs are crucial to the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr is the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Ushongo APC Holds Pre-Congress Meeting

...Dissolves Ward and Local Government Exco, pledges loyalty to Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia's administration

By OrJande Agundu

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ushongo Local Government Chapter, today held a pre-congress meeting in Lessel, the headquarters of Ushongo Local Government Area, to strategize ahead of the party’s forthcoming elective ward congresses.

Addressing the party faithful, the Lead Point Man and Leader of the party in Ushongo, Hon. Aondo Terkula Solomon, said the meeting became necessary to harmonize positions and ensure unity of purpose ahead of the ward, local government, state, and national congresses.

Hon. Aondo Terkula Solomon, who also serves as the Focal Person of the Governor in Ushongo, assured that under his leadership, the process would be transparent, fair, and inclusive, and everything will be equitably distributed across all divides.

He commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his developmental strides across the state, urging party members to remain steadfast and work towards delivering even higher votes for the governor in 2027 elections than in 2023.

Other speakers at the meeting including the Member representing Mata (Ushongo I) Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Gabo; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula; Hon. Sam Yuwa; Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange; and Hon. Alfred Acha also lauded the governor’s performance and called on Ushongo APC members to remain united and loyal to his administration.

They all emphasized the need for a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive congress.

In a motion moved by Hon. Alex Alex Toryiila Avakaa, the meeting unanimously dissolved the Tersoo Nyam-led Executive Committee, paving the way for a fresh elective congress.

The meeting had in attendance several key stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Ushongo Local Government Council, Hon. Adzu Terkimbi; Hon. Simon Gabo; Sir Tersoo Kula; Hon. Sam Yuwa; Prof. Terkura Tarnande; Gubernatorial Liaison Officer for Ushongo, Hon. @Mvedaga Atetan; Hon. Jacob Agede; Hon. Alfred Acha; all Councilors, and other prominent party stalwarts.

Igbogo Commends Jechira/Jemgbagh Youth Alliance For Alia 2027

... Appeals for formidable support for Gov. Alia through strategic planning

By Terfa Naswem

Engr. Japheth Terlumum Igbogo, an aspirant for Konshisha State Constituency seat at Benue State House of Assembly, on Sunday, 2nd November, 2025  commended Jechira/Jemgbagh Youth Alliance for Alia 2027 for their initiatives to ensure the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia wins his reelection in 2027.

The event which took place at JS Tarka Foundation, Makurdi, Benue State was attended by many youths from Jechira and Jemgbagh including others.

Igbogo who was represented by Comr. Ioriligh Clement Msuega stressed the need for the association to ensure strategic planning, which will cover many aspects in reaching out to electorates that will vote in the 2027 general election.

While commending Gov. Alia for the potent impact he is making on the people of Benue State, he appealed to the association to ensure that the good work Alia is doing is projected more elaborately to the world.

As a worthy son of Konshisha from Mbawar Council Ward, Igbogo said he will always identify with the association in achieving its primary goal for ensuring the reelection of Gov. Alia.

The Convener, Comr. Vincent Kaior was overwhelmed with joy for moral and financial support given by Igbogo. He promised to put the needed result-oriented strategy in place for achieving the goals of the association.

In their separate speeches, Hon. Jacob Akaabo, leader, APC Jechira Youth Forum, Makurdi and Barr. Denis Ashir encouraged the association to keep the flames burning for Alia as they will also give their support in various aspects of their capabilities to appreciate the good work Alia is doing for Benue State.

Ihongu Assures Decampees Of Equal Treatment, Urges Them To Support Gov. Alia

By Terfa Naswem 

Alhaji Abubakar Aseer Ihongu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Point-man in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State for the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has assured all those who decamped from Peoples Democratic party (PDP) to APC of fair treatment.

The decamping ceremony took place on Friday, 31st October, 2025 at the Township Stadium, Vandeikya, Benue State.

Ihongu urged all decampees to support Gov. Alia in their various capacities in his transformation agenda for the good people of Benue State.

One of the principal decampees and spokesperson for the decampees, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said he and other decampees made up their minds to join APC because of the good work governor Alia is doing and they are ready to help him deliver on his promises.

Agah Hails Chiason For Supporting Gov Alia

...says her decision to decamp from PDP to APC is commendable 

By Terfa Naswem 

As the sound of the drums in support of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia echoes across Benue State and Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Tordue Agah, an aspirant for Mata State Constituency of Benue State hails Hon. Mrs. Joyce Tartor Chiason for declaring her support for Gov. Alia.

Agah who was at her decamping ceremony on Sunday, 26th October, 2025 at Adagi, Ikyurav-ya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State says she made a good decision to decamp from Peoples Democratic party (PDP) to join Gov. Alia in All Progressives Congress (APC) so as to support his vision of transforming Benue State to the state of our dream.

Acknowledging Gov. Alia's momentous impact on the good people of Benue State, he appeals for more support for Alia to win his reelection and complete the good work he is doing for Benue State.

Igbogo Commends Chiason On Her Decamping From PDP To APC

... says Gov. Alia needs progressive minds like her for the development of Benue State 

By Terfa Naswem 

The aspirant for Konshisha State Constituency seat at the Benue State House of Assembly, BSHoA, in 2027 general election, Engr. Japheth Terlumum Igbogo commends Hon. Mrs. Joyce Tartor Chaison for her decamping from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decamping ceremony took place on Sunday, 26th October, 2025 at Adagi, Ikyurav-ya in Kwande Local Government Area under the leadership of the Kwande APC Leader, Hon. Prince Moses Ternenenge.

Igbogo who was at the decamping ceremony eulogized her a visionary woman who has the tenacity to induce progressive ideologies into moribund situations to bring life in them and turn things around for the common good like she did when she was the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia needs progressive minds to join him in rebuilding Benue State; Igbogo believes Hon. Chaison has the attributes to join forces with the governor for the development of the state.

Keynote address was given by the Executive Chairman of Kwande LGC, who doubles as the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Vitalis Neji. He assured Mrs. Chaison of fair treatment in the party and support for the interest of the people of Kwande, Benue State and beyond.

Some of those who spoke at the event were the Leader of APC in Zone A, who is also the Special Advisor to the Governor on Politics, Hon. Terngu Shawon, and the Leader of APC in Ikyurav-Ya, who is also the Director General, Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe. They made it lucid that Mrs. Chaison and all decampees will be given fair treatment so that they will have the courage to enormously support Gov. Alia to keep delivering on his promises.

Igbogo Commends Alia For Honouring The Thanksgiving Mass And Reception For Him By Tiavnyam Development Foundation

...says Mbatiav is also his home

By Terfa Naswem 

Engr Japhet Terlumum Igbogo, a worthy son of Konshisha from Mbawar Council Ward in Benue State has commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for honouring the Thanksgiving Mass and Grand Civic Reception and Homecoming in his honour organised by Tiavnyam Development Foundation on Sunday, 19th October, 2025.

He eulogized Gov. Alia for his penchant for development which has elicited his love and support for him to keep repositioning Benue State to be propelled to unprecedented heights.

Igbogo resonated the homely nature of the people of Mbatiav were he said it's his maternal home as well.

The Thanksgiving Mass was held at St. Veronica's Parish, Agidi-Mbatiav, while the reception tool place at LGEA Pilot School, Akpagher-Mbatiav, Gboko, Benue State.

Agba Attends BSUTH 2nd International Health Investment Summit And Scientific Exhibition

... appreciates Gov. Alia for the transformation in Benue health sector

By Terfa Naswem 

Chief Mrs. Felicia Ngunan Hoyo Agba yesterday attended the 2nd International Health Investment Summit and Scientific Exhibition of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) which took place in Makurdi from October 16 to 17, 2025. The summit aimed to strengthen healthcare delivery, attract medical investments, and establish BSUTH as a medical tourism hub in North-Central Nigeria. 

The two-day event was held at the BSUTH Cafeteria and featured the theme "Exploring Medical Tourism Potentials at BSUTH: Prospects and Challenges". Major feature was the official launch of a ₦2 billion endowment fund to expand the therapeutic center for children with special needs, such as those with autism.

She was overwhelmed with the good work the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is doing and appealed to the good people of Benue State to continue to give him their support to win his reelection in 2027 so that he will do more beyond measure.

BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr  Stephen Terungwa Hwande gave guests an overwhelming welcome and expressed his profound gratitude to them for honouring the event.

The Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Engr. Chief Barnabas Gemade, commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for the significant transformation he is  bringing in the health sector and beyond to place Benue as a medical tourism hub in Nigeria.

Keynote address by Prof King-David Terna Yawe calls for commendations for Gov. Alia for turning the Benue health sector around which hitherto was a dead trap. He called for critical stakeholders in the health sector to also play their roles effectively in complementing the good 

During the event, attendees saw the unveiling of a new 64-slice CT scan machine and other modern diagnostic and therapeutic facilities recently acquired by the hospital.The summit included a scientific exhibition that showcased various medical equipment and innovative healthcare solutions.

Dignitaries such as the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, the representative of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, were in attendance.The summit highlighted the potential for medical tourism in Benue State and discussed strategies for improving cancer care through early detection and modern management.

Igbogo: A Man With The Penchant For Development

By Terfa Naswem 

Engr. Japheth Terlumum Igbogo, a worthy son of Konshisha from Mbawar Council Ward, just like Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, believes that infrastructural and human capital development should be taken very seriously by those in positions of authority.

Benjamin Franklin's philosophy of development emphasized practical self-improvement through systematic, daily efforts focused on cultivating a specific set of virtues for progress and identify areas for growth in infrastructure and empowerment of the citizenry. His approach was marked by self-reflection, an active and curious engagement with the world, a desire to solve problems and improve the status quo, and a belief in collaborative work and lifelong learning to achieve individual and societal betterment.

Igbogo in his commitment to make enormous impact on the lives of countless people in Konshisha, Benue State and beyond holds this belief firmly and has been an encourager of development and authentic accomplishments.

Igbogo, People Of Konshisha Celebrate Nigeria At 65 With Gov. Alia And The People Of Benue State

By Terfa Naswem

Engr. Japheth Terlumum Igbogo, a worthy son of Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State from Mbawar Council Ward joins the good people of Konshisha and Benue State to celebrate Nigeria's 65th Independence Day with the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

While commending the transformation agenda of Gov. Alia, enjoins the people of Benue State to continue to support and pray for the Governor to remain steadfast in surmounting the challenges he is confronted with, so that he will be able to navigate Benue State successfully through the stormy terrains associated with development.

He appeals to the people of Benue State to continue to have faith in a better Benue and Nigeria, stressing that transforming a state and country that have enormous infrastructural and human capital development deficits takes commitment and unswerving patriotism to achieve.

Wishing them a happy Independence Day, reaffirms his commitment to contributing to nation-building through the grassroots and beyond.

Nigeria At 65: Mato Appeals For Support And Prayers For Gov. Alia

By Terfa Naswem

Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency in Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato celebrates Nigeria at 65 Independence Day.

In the euphoria of Independence Day, she appeals for support and prayers for the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to remain resolute on his determination to fix Benue State.

In the same vein, appeals for prayers for the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to govern Nigeria in the spirit of love and compassion to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians against all odds.

Igbogo Celebrates Adzaagee On His Birthday

...wishes him long life and prosperity in his daily endeavours 

By Terfa Naswem 

Engr. Japheth Terlumum Igbogo extends his warmest congratulation to Elder Theophilus Adzaagee on his birthday.

Igbogo reflects on Elder Adzaagee's refreshing candour and alacrity to elevating humanity through non-discriminatory gesture, and says he deserves all the best wishes life has to offer.

Elder Adzaagee as a stakeholder of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Konshisha and Benue State, played momentous roles in repositioning the part on the trajectory of peace and unity.

Igbogo prayed God Almighty to grant him long life and prosperity in all his daily endeavours.

Those Fraternizing With Ortom Are The Real Enemies Of Benue State: Jechira Stakeholders' Visit To Ortom In Perspective

By Terfa Naswem

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States once said: "the welfare of the whole is the proper purpose of the state". When Samuel Ortom was sworn-in as the Executive Governor of Benue State on May 29, 2015, he started well in his first four months but later deviated from the trajectory of considering the welfare of the good people of Benue State as the proper purpose of the state.

Regardless of whose ox is gored, just like the former Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu (of blessed memory) once said: "politics is not a dirty game but it is most of those playing the game that make it dirty". The sad reality is that many politicians have made the game of politics very dirty and since most of them are hankering for avarice, they are there for their self-aggrandizement and to create a dynasty at the detriment of the good people of Benue State.

According to Blue Print Newspaper of May 28, 2023, Ortom disclosed that he had expended a total of ₦735.6 since May 29 2015 when he took over as governor of the state and total revenue generated by his administration from May 29th, 2015 to 30th April 2023 was  ₦734.9 billion. If Ortom claimed his administration generated N734.9 billion in 8 years, what did he really expend N735.6 billion for that he couldn't clear the backlogs of salaries of Benue civil servants including pensions and gratuities?

In the Tribune of June 22, 2016, Samuel Ortom disclosed that his administration had only borrowed N53.5 billion since inception on May 29, 2015. What did he do with the money within one year when the federal allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other funds were received by his administration?

Sahara Reporters of January 26, 2022 with the headline:  "Governor Ortom Has Longest Record Of Unpaid Salaries Despite Collecting Every Loan – Presidency"  reported that a presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, made the remarks in a statement titled “The Incongruence of Governor Samuel Ortom on Arise TV” while reacting to his constant attacks on the President. Shehu said that Governor Ortom could still not perform his task despite collecting Salary Bailout, Excess Crude Loan and Budget Support loan, each repayable in 20 years. What did Ortom do with these funds that he couldn't take the welfare of Benue State civil servants as a top priority?

According to Vanguard report of October 5, 2023, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke said he sacrificed his monthly N600 million security votes for Osun development. This shows that Ortom was receiving not less than N500 million monthly as security vote for 8 years

According to The Sun report on August 6, 2018 titled: "Security Vote, Ortom and Witch-hunt, "Security vote is usually not subject to legislative oversight or independent audit. This is why it is surprising that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, over its alleged misuse. Media reports last week quoted the anti-graft agency as alleging that the governor defrauded his state to the tune of N22 billion. The EFCC is also investigating 21 members of the Benue State House of Assembly for allegedly diverting N375 million meant for the procurement of vehicles that would be used for oversight functions.

"According to the agency, between June 30, 2015, and March 2018, the Benue State governor ordered the withdrawal of N21.3 billion from four government accounts. About N19 billion out of the money was meant for the payment of six security agencies deployed in the state to quell the clashes between herdsmen and farmers. However, the state government allegedly paid less than N3 billion of this money to security agencies. The rest, the EFCC alleged, could not be accounted for."

Ortom had enough security vote to tackle Fulani herdsmen attacks so he cannot claim that the funds for payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities were used to fight insecurity during his administration.

I am extremely disappointed in some people in All Progressives Congress (APC) and Jechira stakeholders including others who are fraternizing with Ortom because of their hatred for the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. They have shown that they are the real enemies of Benue State.

If they don't like Alia, they are free to express their dislikes, but supporting Ortom to express their hatred for Alia has exposed their chronic hypocrisy. It shows that they never loved Benue State and put their selfish interests above the collective interest of the good people of Benue State. These groups of people called Ortom so many unprintable names when he defected from APC to Peoples Democratic party (PDP) on July 25, 2018. On different occasions, these people described Ortom as the worst Governor in Benue State history. Many criticized Ortom for not taking the welfare of the good people of Benue State seriously as a result of his abysmal and amorphous governance.

Some of such people claimed today that they have forgiven Ortom and are hypocritically celebrating him. Their acts have shown that late Rev. Adasu was right when he said politics is not a dirty game but most of the people who play the game make it dirty.

Yesterday, some APC Stakeholders from Jechira visited Ortom for consultation. Here are some of the excerpts from the press release of their visit:

".... They appealed to the former Governor (Ortom) to liaise with Senator Akume to ensure that the 2027 Governorship is given back to another Jechira person, excluding the present occupant (Alia)."

".... He (Ortom) apologised to the people of Jechira for presenting a wrong candidate in 2019 and emphasized his commitment to championing unity among Benue people across party lines in 2027 to rescue Benue people from the present predicament."

".... Byuam emphasized that Jechira stakeholders were present to give apologies for the current state of affairs in Benue State and appealed that Jechira bloc should be given another opportunity in 2027 to correct the bad image one of them has presented to people".

If these group of Jechira stakeholders could eulogize Ortom who is the worst Governor in the history of Benue State, then they are the real enemies of the state. What were they apologizing to Ortom for? What kind of chronic hypocrisy is this? They have exhibited their penchant for retrogressiveness and underdevelopment 

What has Ortom even done positively different from May 29, 2023 when he left office as Governor to this day that made him deserve such encomiums and apologies? 

Those who are supposed to be paradigms of development and positive ideological revolutions have decided to obfuscate the good people of Benue State with their incontrovertible display of hypocrisy and mediocrity.

Benue State must be great against all odds. Those who promote hypocrisy and celebrate mediocrity cannot stop the progress of Benue State. 

Gov. Alia will get his reelection ticket for 2027 on the platform of APC and will still win his reelection against all odds. Those on the political expedition against Alia are on mission in futility resulting to waste of time and resources.

Numbeve Receives Dennis Ter Iyaighgba At RAAMP Office Complex: Sues For Synergy

By Stephen Ijoh 

Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Dennis Ter Iyaighgba, has expressed confidence in the RAAMP led leadership in complementing His Excellency's kind gesture towards quality and effective service delivery.

The Commissioner who made the assertion when he led other principal officers from his office while on a familiarization visit to the State RAAMP Coordinator at RAAMP office complex in Makurdi. He said the visit was to seek partnership in exploring areas of synergy in line with His Excellency's policy document towards actualizing  his dreams for a renew Benue 

The Commissioner who noted with satisfaction the ongoing transformation at RAAMP office complex called on him to sustain the tempo as a platform for turning around the fortunes of the rural dwellers.

Mr. Dennis Ter whose mandate includes overseeing water transport and other water facilities like sand, gravels, establishment of JTs and monitoring water pollution as well as promoting stakeholders engagements to collaborate government policies that will reposition the state.

The Commissioner was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Richard Imoter Nomkpo, his Technical Assistant, Dr. Samuel Iyaighgba, Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation, Lubem Gena and a host of others 

In his response, the State Project Coordinator, RAAMP, Stephen Numbeve, appreciated him for the visit which he said was timely in pursuing quality programs that will assuage the conditions of the rural masses.

He said RAAMP has the mandate to improve on rural roads as well as construct same, construction of stores and warehouses as well as culverts and bridges spanning 23 local government areas of the state.

Stephen Ijoh is the Development Communication Officer of RAAMP

Cross River State APC Felicitates Dr. Ohiero Patrick Agu On The Occasion Of His Birthday Anniversary Today

The State Chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq. JP, and the State Executive Committee members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Cross River State heartily congratulate Dr. Agu Ohiero Patrick on the auspicious occasion of his birthday anniversary today.

You are a proud son of Ijegu, Yala in Ugaga Ward and a staunch member of our great party, the APC. Your loyalty and consistency have been exemplary, marking you out as a true grassroots mobilizer and steadfast party man.

As Chairman of Yala in Northfest from inception in 2017 to 2021, you displayed uncommon commitment to cultural promotion and community service. Your remarkable leadership in that role was made possible by the confidence reposed in you by the State Chairman of our Party.

Your academic journey remains equally distinguished. From Head of Department of English, to Dean of the School of Languages, to Chairman of the Committee of Deans, you have consistently demonstrated brilliance, discipline, and service to scholarship.

Presently, as HOD of Theatre Arts and Dean, Faculty of Arts, FCE Obudu, as well as a Governing Council Member appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you embody excellence. Your rank as Associate Professor of English crowns your outstanding career.

On this special day, we pray for your continued wisdom, strength, and divine blessings as you remain a shining light to our people, our party, and the nation. 

Happy Birthday, Dr. Ohiero Patrick Agu.

SIGNED

Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP

State Publicity Secretary

APC Cross River State.

10th September, 2025

Public Apology By Deacon Tor Yaji, President General Of KUDA

At the funeral of Hon. Mary Yisa, the President General of Kunav United Development Association, KUDA, Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji appealed to the Kunav sons and daughters who were offended at his speech at a burial in Mbayongo that, he is not a violent person, he loves peace dearly and has contributed towards lasting peace between Mbaduku and Cross River.

He stated that he was not meant to hurt anybody. What he meant was the Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is performing excellently well. So, there is no need to be fighting to remove him in office.

In this bid, as there are many ways of beating people in Tiv context, if any Kunav son or daughter contests election with the Governor and is not given the mandate as expected, it is beating. So, no one should consider his former speech as intended to cause violence and unrest upon other contestants.