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Alia playing politics with Benue insecurity – Ortom

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The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, of playing politics with the continuous insecurity bedevilling the state.

Ortom stated this in a statement on Tuesday signed by his media aide, Mr Terver Akase, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

The former governor said that he watched with shock and sadness a video clip where Alia told the NKST Church Ikpayongo congregation in Gwer East LGA on Sunday that since he assumed office, armed herders have stopped attacking and killing people.

He said Alia also levelled several lies against him, whom he accused of feigning an assassination attempt on his life in 2021.

Ortom also said that the governor said, unlike during the previous administration when killings were on a daily basis, his tenure has witnessed absolute peace across the state, as attacks have ended and the people now go about their normal activities.

“While we may not bother with the theatrics of the governor and his inclination towards obfuscation, we find it rather sad and unfortunate that he did so this time standing before a church congregation in Gwer East.

“One of the local government areas which have suffered some of the worst herdsmen attacks under his watch with many people killed, others injured and property worth billions destroyed.

“The people of Gwer who were in that church must have felt grossly dismayed on hearing such words coming from a man who is their governor.

“There have been uncountable mass burials during Alia’s administration in many parts of the state as a result of attacks, particularly in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, Otukpo, among others.

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“This government only attempts to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” he said.

The former governor stated that the difference between him and Alia was that while he stood against injustice and strongly fought the agenda of pastoralists who wanted to occupy Benue lands as theirs, his successor does not want the world to know the truth.

According to him, people are still under attacks, and wanton killings have been taking place in communities on a higher level than during his time.

Ortom urged Alia to apologise to the people of Benue for his insensitivity in claiming there are no more herders’ attacks in the state, especially when many have been traumatised after burying their loved ones.

However, Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Alia, challenged the former governor to take a walk through his home local government of Guma, which was the epicentre of armed attacks when he held sway to power, and see things for himself.

Kula said the people in Guma have returned home to pick up the pieces of their lives.

He said his principal did not lie about the present security of the state, adding that relative peace, as cited by Alia, had indeed returned to the state despite pockets of attacks in some local government areas.

“Alia acknowledged that there is relative peace, not absolute peace. However, compared to a time when attacks occurred daily, even targeting IDP camps, the situation has significantly improved.

“Even in Ortom’s home LGA, attacks are no longer as frequent as they were during his administration. While some attempted attacks have occurred in certain areas, they are no longer a daily reality.

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“Today, Alia is caring for fewer than one million displaced persons in the state, unlike Ortom’s time when there were four million IDPs, an indication that many have returned to their farms.

“All markets in Guma are now operational because residents have returned home. The governor is not lying.

“Fighting insecurity is not about constant public outcry; it requires real solutions. Ortom left Benue in ruins. He should be ashamed and seek forgiveness from the people, “he said. (NAN)

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I’m Happy Tibubu Has Confidence in Me Says Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”

Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.

“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”

The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.

“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”

When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.

“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”

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2027: Shehu Sani Declares Interest In Kaduna Central Senatorial Seat

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The Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has declared interest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Shehu Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.

He said, “any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are rights and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district”.

“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027”.

According to him, his ambition is secondary while that of re-electing governor Sani for second term is primary.

He reiterated that his priority is to see governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027.

“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our mights and strengths, we know that they are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces”.

Shehu Sani however, urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

Sani who also reacted to killing of hunters in Edo State condemned the act and urged security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators.

He said, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.

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“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand then it means there is no government or authority”.

He added that Nigerians who desire good for the country should work for peace and unity for the preservation of our democracy in the phase of challenges that is being experienced by our people, he said.

Sani however, called on government to save Nigeria, saying that there should be respect for fundamental rights and most importantly is respect to right to life, he added.

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SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.

“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.

The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.

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