IN MAKURDI | Benue students protest killing of colleague by herdsmen.PHOTOS

The National Union of Benue State Students on Thursday, thronged the major streets of Makurdi, the state capital to express their outrage over the killing of one of their colleagues by armed herdsmen last weekend.

In the course of the protest, the students blocked the roads around the Wurukum Roundabout and the entrance to the Benue State University for over two hours, crippling social and commercial activities around the areas.

The students’ colleague had travelled home to inform his parents that he had successfully completed his final year project when he was killed by herdsmen.

The protesting students, who were seen chanting war songs, carried placards with inscriptions, such as; ‘enough of Fulani Killings in Benue’, ‘herdsmen must go’, ‘no more grazing in Benue’, etc, called on the Benue and federal governments to act fast to stop the wanton killing of the innocent citizens of the state.

Addressing the crowd of students at the Wurukum Roundabout, the leader of the aggrieved students, Joshua Tarbunde, appealed to the Benue State House of Assembly to speedily pass the anti-grazing bill before it to phase out killer herdsmen from the state.

He said, ”We don’t want Fulani in our communities in Benue, Fulani must leave us alone because we have no power to fight them. Just take a look at this, this innocent boy had suffered all through in the university and only for him to be killed by Fulani men after he left school for home to inform his poor parents in the village about his success in the school so far.”

It took the intervention of the police to calm down frayed nerves and clear the barricades placed on major roads for commuters to pass.

I’ll Rededicate Myself To The Service of The Nation – President Buhari

Femi Adesina, Abuja: President Buhari Friday in Abuja expressed gratitude to Nigerians for all the prayers and show of goodwill, pledging to rededicate himself to the service of the nation.

Addressing the country from the State House, shortly after arriving from London, President Buhari said he was fully committed to serving the nation and protecting the right of all Nigerians.

President Buhari said “I am deeply grateful to all Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike who have prayed and have continued to pray for my good health.”

“This is a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced, Nigerians support the government in its effort to tackle our country’s challenges,” President Buhari.

He said his health had improved significantly, following the medical attention he received during his vacation in London.

“The best way for me to repay you is to rededicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.”

“I am feeling much better now. There may,yah however be need for further follow up within some weeks,” he stated.

In his remark, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said “it was satisfying for Nigerians and the Federal Executive Council to receive the President back in the country “hail and hearty.”

“It is a day of joy not only for us but for the whole country, Africa and the world. Your arrival has vindicated our position that you will return safely,” he said.

The Vice President thanked the President for respecting the constitution and entrusting power to him before travelling, noting that it was a tough job ‘‘going around in borrowed robes”.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, also made remarks to welcome the President.

NTAintl.

Benue: ADP alleges ineptitude, rejects wage cut, retrenchment

Benue State Chapter of the Action Democratic Party over the weekend rejected in its entirety the proposed wage cut/ retrenchment by the Benue State government under the watch of Governor Samuel Or­tom.

The party’s position was con­tained in a press statement signed by its states chairman Hon Ochiedu Isah Aboh, a copy of which was made available to The AUTHORITY.

The statement said if govern­ment had efficiently utilized the monthly revenue allocation from the Federation Account, bud­get support funds, bailout funds and Paris Club refunds from the Federal Government to augment internal revenue to clear arrears of pensions and workers’ salaries it would not have found itself in the current financial mess stress­ing that at present, Benue State was still owing several months of pensions and salaries in spite of available revenue from the above sources.

The release noted that “The at­tention the Action Democratic Party (ADP), has been drawn to recent reports quoting Governor Samuel Ortom as calling for ad­vice from Benue people on how to deal with the challenge of the State’s huge wage bill. He report­edly made the call at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi after observing that the wage bill is one of the highest in the North and is unsustainable.

“Our understanding of the gov­ernor’s call for advice on the wage bill is that his government has made up its mind to cut salaries and or retrench workers. His pub­lic request for advice, therefore, is only meant to create the impres­sion that the people of the state, as represented by the selected stakeholders, have given him the mandate to cut wages or retrench workers.”

It added what this portend was a lack of seriousness, prudence, ad­ministrative capacity, innovative­ness, compassion and focus.

It informed it was a sad develop­ment that administration has im­plemented the following measures since 2015 when it came to power:

(1) Retention of the existing embargo on employment into the state civil service;

(2). Removal from the payroll the names of all civil servants em­ployed by the preceding govern­ment between 2013 and 2015; (3) Setting up of judicial and admin­istrative commissions of enquiry to ascertain the state of finances, assets and liabilities of the state government in the eight years preceding his administration; (4) Conduct of biometric identifica­tion of state civil servants, local government staff and primary school teachers; (5.) Direct screen­ing of state civil servants among others expressing dismay that in spite of all this measures which were aimed at downsizing the wage bill of the state, its monthly bill keeps rising stressing that;

“In spite of these measures, the state’s wage bill keeps rising; and if in spite of the findings and rec­ommendations of these exercises, government has no clue about what to do – other than wage cuts or retrenchment – it shows that the government is inept. If the government is awarding new contracts rather than pay back­logs of workers’ salaries and pen­sions, it means the government is not focused and is lacking in concern for the people’s welfare. If a government that rode to power on the promise of regular payment of salaries has accu­mulated more arrears than it in­herited, in spite of special funds released by the Federal Govern­ment for that purpose, that gov­ernment has failed to live up to expectation.”

“From the above submission, it is very clear that the Ortom administration is inept, lacks innovative solutions to even routine challenges, unfocused, imprudent, uncaring, and a dis­appointment to the people of Benue State. In short, for its in­ability to deal with the wage bill problem, the Ortom administra­tion has failed and should resign to pave the way for those who are serious about governance.

“We therefore, enjoin Benue people and all Nigerians to team up with our movement, the Ac­tion Democratic Party (ADP) so that we can give the sound leadership that our state and our country need.”

Go to the US and prove your innocence - Former ambassador tells Kashamu

A diplomat, Folake Marcus-Bello, has advised fugitive Nigerian senator, Buruji Kashamu, to voluntarily go to the United States of America and clear his name over the drugs allegation against him, rather than wait until he is extradited.

Ms. Marcus-Bello gave the advice while featuring on a live radio programme on Sweet FM in Abeokuta. She said Mr. Kashamu’s lawyers should have advised him also to go and defend himself.
“Crime does not go away, it does not expire. It will continue to rear its head, nobody can claim he is guilty or innocent until he goes to clear this mess,” who served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Zambia and Malawi said.
Ms. Marcus-Bello, who is also a legal practitioner, encouraged Mr. Kashamu to consider the reputation of himself, family and Nigeria as a country‎ to clear his name.

“For the sake of himself, his family, his constituency of hardworking, honest Ijebus, he should travel to get justice‎. It is simple, if they are looking for you, buy a ticket and go defend yourself.
“It is like they say they are looking for Folake Marcus Bello for children trafficking. I would buy a ticket and go to the embassy and say ‘here I am, please give me a visa let me go’”
The former Ambassador said some of the statements credited to Mr. Kashamu were shameful.

“It is shameful that somebody at that level, a senator of the Republic of Nigeria representing my constituents in Ogun State would say he would rather die, call up the private army of OPC to fight rather than being taken abroad. Why?”
On Mr. Kashamu’s contention that Nigerian and British courts had acquitted him, the former ambassador argued that it was a faulty argument.

“Look let me tell you, I am a lawyer. Crime never goes away. This is mistake a lot of people make and it is also part of our problem in this country; we don’t know the law, we don’t know our rights, we don’t read, we don’t learn. It is a simple matter.
“Crime does not go away. If you have committed a crime and you have not served the punishment for that crime, let us assume you committed a crime at age 21, you can go on till you are 90, the day you are caught you will be tried and you will serve the punishment.
“He is my Senator, some of us from his constituency will escort him to ensure he gets justice. We know he will get justice, it is an organised society. Let him clear this for the sake of Ogun State, for the sake of Ijebus for the sake of Nigeria. It is just a question of taking a flight to defend himself”.

Faleke Rejects APC’s Decision To Present Bello As Guber Candidate.

Hon James Faleke, running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, who participated in the Nov 21 governorship election in Kogi, has rejected the party’s decision to present Yahaya Bello for the Dec 5 supplementary election.INEC declared the Nov 21 election as inconclusive following the cancellation of voting in 91 polling units across the state.
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APC Blames Wike For Relegation Of Sharks FC.

Governor Nyesom Wike has been blamed for the relegation, at the weekend, of Sharks Football Club from the Nigerian Premier League.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, and issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the development as a disgrace and yet another monument to the disastrous management style of Wike.

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PDP Brags About Winning 2015 Elections

Ahead of next month’s presidential and general elections, national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, concluded yesterday that with its campaigns across the country, it was already headed for victory.read more

Aso Ebi For Dame Patience Jonathan's Mother's Burial Out.

Are you going for mama's burial.her aso ebi is out oh,ahead of the burial on the 1 Nov 2013,the family aso ebi is out Mama Charity died in a tragic motor accident along Bayelsa road on 22 july 2013.
She will be buried in Okiri on Nov 1 2013.

Taraba State House Of Assembly Has Barred Governor Danbaba Suntai From Resuming Work Because Of His ''UNFIT'' State.Is This In Order?

A twist was added to the unfolding political drama in Taraba State on Thursday morning as 16 out of the 24 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly barred ailing state governor, Danbaba Suntai, from resuming work, because of his feeble state.

The decision of the lawmakers followed a prolonged meeting with the governor last night, during which, they came to grips with the true state of his health.
In a statement released to journalists, the 16 lawmakers insisted that Suntai was unfit to resume and that they doubted the author of the letter, which was sent to the House of Assembly on Monday.

Based on their assessment of Suntai, the lawmakers authorised Garba Umar, his deputy, who has been acting as the governor of the state in the last ten months, to continue to hold fort until Suntai was fit to steer the ship of state.

The 16 lawmakers opposed to Suntai’s resumption of work, are led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, who had on Tuesday warned that Suntai could not resume unless he addressed them.

The Speaker, who is believed to be loyal to the acting governor, was also at the ‘meeting’ with Suntai on Wednesday night.

Source Vanguard Nigeria?

Let the debates begin what do you think of the decision of the Assembly?

Suswam’s Absence Has Not Affected Governance In Benue -Akwaya

The special adviser to Benue State governor, Mr Gabriel Suswam, on media and public affairs, Dr Cletus Akwaya, yesterday hit back at the members of the opposition that are alleging that the governor has abandoned his duties for national assignments, saying the governor’s absence has not affected governance of the state.

There has been widespread insinuations from members of the opposition political parties in the state that the governor has neglected his duties for other engagements in Abuja and should be impeached.The state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Comrade Abba Yaro made the accusations against the governor while speaking to newsmen in Makurdi. The opposition members appealed to the governor to return home to attend to state responsibilities.

But in a swift reaction to the allegations, the media aide to Suswam, Dr Akwaya said yesterday that the accusations against the governor by members of the opposition were done out of jealousy and envy over the towering leadership style of Suswam, describing it as incorrect and baseless.

According to Akwaya, “the absence of Governor Suswam has not in anyway affected the business of governance in Benue State. He is still in touch with the state and it is only when the meetings come that he (Suswam) goes to attend the meetings and he quickly comes back to attend to state duties.”

“Suswams appointment as chairman of needs committee on ASUU strike has even added value to the state, his leadership qualities has been acknowledged by President Goodluck Jonathan and these are development benefits to our state. And so it is incorrect to assert that the governor has abandoned his duties. He has earned the confidence of the federal government,” Akwaya stated

- See more at: http://leadership.ng

Ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai Sacks Cabinet.

Governor Suntai

Reports coming from Jalingo, the Taraba State capital indicate that Governor Danbaba Suntai has dissolved the state’s Executive council and sacked all advisers.

A source at the Government House also informed that Mr. Suntai has also appointed the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Timothy Katap, as the new Secretary to State Government, SSG.

He also appointed Aminu Jika as his new Chief of Staff. The source added that both appointees will be sworn in by 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Government House.

This is the second time that Mr. Jika is being appointed as the Chief of Staff to Mr. Suntai. He was first appointed when Mr. Suntai took office in 2007.

Controversy has trailed Mr. Suntai’s return with observers questioning his mental state of health as the governor continues to stay or be kept away from public glare.

Although the governor sent a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly on Tuesday asking to return to office, the speaker has reportedly rejected the letter asking Mr. Suntai to appear before the lawmakers to confirm his ability to lead the state.

More details later…

source Premium Times.

Update On Taraba State/House Of Assembly Divided Over Letter From The Ailing Governor/Assembly Alleges Forgery Of Governor's Signature.

The Taraba State House of Assembly is presently divided over the resumption of Danbaba Suntai as Governor of Taraba State, we gathered that a section of the House on Tuesday conveyed its approval for Governor Suntai to immediately resume following his written request to so do on Monday. This decision the assembly stated nullified his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, from being Acting Governor.

Briefing newsmen at the state assmbly complex in Jalingo, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Joseph Albasu who represents Lau constituency said the House received the governor’s letter and gave him the go ahead to assume his constitutional role as governor of the state.The Speaker, HaZruna Tsokwa, was however absent as at the time of the briefing, but his deputy assured he was speaking on behalf of every member of the House.

Lawmakers who accompanied the deputy speaker to the briefing were: Hon. Charles Maijankai (Karim-Lamido constituency), Ishaya Gani (Wukari).It was gathered  that while the deputy speaker claims that Suntai was physically and mentally fit to govern the state, a section of the House had alleged that the signature appended on the governor’s letter was forged.The lawmakers, believed to be pro-Umar also said they were stopped from seeing Suntai, “an indication that he is not fit”.

The deputy speaker when confronted with the allegation dismissed same as mischievous.Albasu said: “We saw Governor Suntai in New York and now that he has returned, and judging from the conversation we had with him, the governor is sound to resume work.”According to him, “The governor could have thump printed the letter, if he wished, provided forensic test shows he is the one.”The Majority Leader said: “Pharm. Danbaba Suntai who is the Executive Governor of Taraba State has transmitted a letter to this very House indicating his intention to resume work and take over the functions of the state as the executive governor.

“The letter was caused and addressed to the Taraba State House of Assembly, and I, as the Majority Leader being the Chairman of the business of this Assembly received the letter.”The Clerk of the House acknowledged the letter and handed over to the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly Hon. Haruna Tsokwa.”Governor Suntai has complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in Section 190(2)”.

Meanwhile, the legislators alleging forgery of Suntai’s signature have demanded the ailing governor to appear before the house.Reacting to their demand, the House majority leader maintained that the Constitution does not compel a governor to appear before the house on the matter in contention.”The governor can even transmit a letter in soft copy via e-mail to the House.

But Suntai went a step further to transmit a letter to us in hard copy, so what are those mischief makers talking about?He said it is even against the Constitution for the House to hold plenary on the matter.”This issue is not a debative matter anywhere in the world.

Governor Suntai has done exactly what the Constitution requires him to do”, he said.It would be recalled that Suntai returned into the country on Sunday after spending 10 months in Germany and United States, treating the injuries sustained when a plane he piloted crashed near Yola, Adamawa State on October 25, last year.

Gunmen Kill 18 In Benue Villages

Unknown gunmen killed at a least 18 persons on Sunday night in two villages of Borikyo ward in Ukum local government area, Benue state.Locals said the gunmen invaded Agena and Agbaaye villages at about 8 pm on the fateful night and started shooting sporadically as they moved from house to house, maiming and killing their victims.

The gang operated unhindered for four hours just as they set houses ablaze in the process, sources said.

“The villages within Borikyo ward have been under the siege of armed robbers since March this year. Only in June, the robbers invaded one of the villages, Ayati, dispossessed their victims of valuables, killed one person and injured many others,” one source said.

“This time, when they attacked the two villages on Sunday night, they killed seven people in Agena and another four in Agbaaye. The other seven which brings the latest killing to 18.”

The villagers, the source added have now started deserting their homes for fear of another invasion since they could not ascertain the identity of their attackers.

“We don’t know who they are. Before now, they would rob us but this time, they did not rob anybody. So, we are confused and worried,” he said.

When contacted, the state police commissioner Adams Audu confirmed the incident but said the command would not speculate the numbers of casualties until investigations are concluded.

Source BenueNewsOnline

CBN Gov, Sanusi Lamido Celebrates Wife Of 25 Years, Sadiya With Chieftaincy Title

Giwar Dan Maje 

The governor of the apex, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has conferred the chieftaincy title of Giwar Dan Maje on his wife, Sadiya at a ceremony held in his Nassarawa GRA, Kano country home on Sunday.

Literarily translated, the titled means, ’Elephant of Dan Maje’ which represents the strength behind the traditional title of the CBN boss.

And as if to rekindle their love which was solemnized 25 years ago, Lamido told the gathering that witnessed the occasion that Sadiya has been the pillar of success in his married life.

CBN Gov





A woman helps Sadiya, CBN Gov’s wife to adjust the turban on her head after the conferment

According to him, conferring his wife with the title is in appreciation of not just his love for her, but to mark the anniversary of their formal wedding twenty-five years ago and for her sense of purpose.

He said the title represents strength, stability and protection in his home, adding that the silver jubilee occasion of their wedlock incidentally coincided with the golden jubilee celebration of Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero’s coronation.

Lamido said, “The title, Giwar Dan Maje which I am conferring on my wife today represents strength, it represents stability, it represents protection. In every household, the first wife is the pillar. She may be joined by one, two or three other wives.

“I give Sadiya a lot of credit for the peace and stability in my house, even those that has not known us but come to the house for the first time easily recognize her as the pillar of stability in the house.

“It is in recognition of this our living together for 25 years and in appreciation of her role that I give her this title.”

Some analysts have expressed that the CBN governor may have conferred the honour on Sadiya because of the understanding she has shown since the ‘campaign of calumny’ wedge against him that he (Sanusi Lamido) is in a steamy love affair with a married staff of the bank, Dr. Maryam Yaro which was awash in a section of the media few weeks back.

sOURCE 237UREPORT.COM

President Jonathan Submits Names Of Members Of Police Service Commission,Names Sir Mike Okiro As Chairman.

President Goodluck Jonathan has recommended former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
According to PM News the recommendation has been sent to the Nigerian Senate for ratification.
If approved, Okiro will replace Parry Osayande who quit the job in April.
Sources close to the police said the appointment of Okiro for the job is the right choice President Jonathan has made.
According to one of the sources who pleaded not to be mentioned, "Okiro's appointment is a good development for the police at a time Mohammed Abubakar is in charge as the Inspector General of Police. Both men worked together at the Lagos Police Command and they share the same vision.
"Okiro is an operational man who suggested that Niger Delta Militants are offered amnesty during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar'Adua. He will bring positive change to the police force."
Okiro was born 24 July, 1949 in Oguta, Imo State. He was Nigeria's first ethnic Igbo to assume the post of police Inspector General.
He holds a degree in English Language from the University of Ibadan, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Jos and an LLB.
He joined the Nigerian Police in 1972. The operational and command positions he occupied during his career include serving as DPO in several police stations, Member, Armed Robbery & Firearms Tribunal, Lagos State, Assistant & Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Lagos State and later Benue State.

He received a double promotion from Commissioner of Police when he became Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
In June 2009, Okiro published a book titled Policing Nigeria in a Democracy.