NEWS
Stop blaming Senator Akume for your failure, Benue APC warns Governor Ortom
The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Governor Samuel Ortom to quit blaming Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, for his failures.
Speaking at a press conference today in Makurdi, chairman-elect, Austin Agada, said the motive of the governor’s recent campaign of calumny against the honourable minister is to ultimately diminish his chances of becoming the party’s national chairman, having recognised his national acceptance.
According to Agada, the fraud allegation currently levelled against Senator Akume is a political witch-hunt, similar to the N107b alleged fraud levelled against his predecessor Gabriel Suswam.
The APC chairman-elect noted that this is another divisonary tactic used by the governor like he has done in time past to shift the people’s attention.
“Let it be known to all APC faithful and the whole world that the fraud allegation currently levelled against Senator Akume by Gov. Irtom and his government is clearly an act of political witch-hunt,” he said.
“Why conjure a haphazard probe report about the Akume administration of many years now, same way this same government had levelled the 107 billion naira allegation against the Gabriel Suswam administration but later nullified same; will the same government not overrule itself tomorrow over these frivolous reports that seek to indict Senator Akume today?”
Agada lamented that never a time has Benue State been this stagnant in terms of policy framework and development, noting that no sector of the state economy is working.
While dismissing the Governor’s insinuation that Benue people are drunkards, the APC chieftain revealed that government workers and pensioners are still being owed for several month.
Agada, however, called on the governor to face task of governance before and avoid the careless affront on President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator George Akume and the suffering population of Benue state that he has already branded happily as drunkards.
Read full statement below:
Gentlemen of the press, it has become expedient that the state exco- elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State lend its voice on the current state of affairs in Benue, especially as it concerns activities of the Ortom administration and the governor’s unguarded utterances that are bringing our state to public ridicule. It is often said that ‘evil reigns when people of conscience decide to unwittingly keep sealed lips in the face of glaring absurdities’.
The APC in Benue, as you all know is the major opposition, a party with the dominant population whose mandate was robbed in a controversially complicated happenstance. But having gauged the overwhelming incompetence and drought of progressive governance ideas on the part of the current PDP government in Benue, history again beckons on our party(APC) urgently wrestle power from PDP in the next electoral dispensation so as to allow Benue taste a bit of development like other states of the federation.
To start with, we are greatly dismayed at the manner with which Gov. Samuel Ortom and his few supporters have been clutching at straws to foist the reasons for his legendary poor performance as governor on the Leader of our party in Benue, Senator Dr George Akume, Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. These attacks on our Leader have been brewed consistently over time and intermittently unleashed on him with great mischiefs. But while we may have tolerated this bashing for so long, the governor has again embarked on a dangerous campaign of calumny, trying so desperately to run down the towering profile of Senator Akume, who is one of the very few Nigerian past governors without criminal records.
The target of this campaign of calumny, we ultimately know is to lower Senator Dr George Akume who is highly celebrated by many Nigerians in the eyes of the public thereby, weakening his chances of emerging as the National Chairman of the APC, now that majority of APC members across all states of the federation are clamouring for his emergence to the position.
Let it be known to all APC faithful and the whole world that the fraud allegation currently levelled against Senator Akume by Gov. Ortom and his government is clearly an act of political witch-hunt. Why conjure a haphazard probe report about the Akume administration of many years now, same way this same government had levelled the 107 billion naira allegation against the Gabriel Suswam administration but later nullified same; will the same government not overrule itself tomorrow over these frivolous reports that seek to indict Senator Akume today?
To those of us who are conversant with operations of the present day Benue State Government, this is merely another diversionary tactics. This administration has a history of raising unfounded claims and excuses, each time more money comes into the state. You will recall that since the day it was confirmed that the federal government has made available another tranche of over 18 Billion Naira bailout to Benue State, Gov. Samuel Ortom has become strangely more loquacious and hostile, not just to his benefactor, Senator Akume but also to the Benue civil servants and pensioners that he has refused to pay their salaries and pensions; the internally displaced persons that he has described as thieves stealing his cassava from the farm and now, rudely referring to all Benue people as drunkards who idly start drinking as early as 9am daily, till dawn which you all know cannot be the true identity of the Benue people who have been known over the years as very hard working and great farmers.
It is regrettable that rather than employ Benue people, the Ortom administration has perfidiously sacked thousands of youths(SURE-P interns) that were absorbed into the Benue State civil service by his predecessor; he has also sacked many other civil servants as ghost workers without employing others, an act that has skyrocketed the rate of unemployment in the state. Despite all the sacks, the salary wage bill of Benue under his administration has rather climbed to over 7 billion naira, based on his claims. In all fairness, what has Gov. Samuel Ortom done to take the Benue man off the street and alcohol in the last 6 years of his administration? What has been the social intervention programme of his administration when businesses are rather closing down in Benue due to multiple taxations? The governor ought to have been ashamed that despite his deliberate impoverishment of the state, his subject could still afford a bottle of beer to sip and forget their poverty and misery.
Never for once has Benue State been this stagnant in terms of policy framework and development. No sector of the state economy seems to be working. State workers are currently owed about 7 months arrears of salary in Benue, primary school teachers and local government staff are owed for over one year while pensioners are still owed for over 32 months, not to mention their gratuities. Benue farmers are denied farm inputs to boost their food production while farming in Benue remains at the subsistence level in this modern age.
We wish to establish sufficiently that the present Benue State Government lacks the capacity and basic ideas on how best to develop the state and should not be allowed another chance to succeed itself. It is on this note that we reiterate our earlier call on all officials of the Ortom administration to honourably resign and live their lives, rather than continue to smile while suffering and deceiving themselves that they are in government. We have equally uncovered his plans to appoint more “Suffering Special Assistants(SSAs)” for the sake of elections that are fast approaching and we can only sympathize with those helpless victims that may be named eventually.
We call on the governor to face squarely, the herculean task of governance before him in the exiting phase of his administration and avoid the careless affront on President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Dr George Akume and the suffering population of Benue state that he has already branded happily as drunkards. For now, history has recorded that the Ortom administration is the worst that Benue State has ever experienced.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost in the recent fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
The Fund said its thoughts are with the families, colleagues, and organisations affected, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service, United Capital Plc, UBA, Afriland Properties, and others.
NSITF’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, sent heartfelt condolences, saying: “Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. We stand with you in this time of grief.”
He also commended the courage of emergency workers and the swift action of the Lagos State authorities in containing the situation.
To support those affected, NSITF has activated its Lagos support desk to work with employers, families, and government agencies. The desk is helping with incident reports, claims processing, and benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
This covers dependants of the deceased as well as rehabilitation support for survivors. “Our case officers are ready to guide families and employers every step of the way,” Faleye assured.
The Fund noted that the tragedy highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for organisations to take precautions to prevent such disasters.
NSITF urged all employers to: Strengthen workplace safety measures and emergency protocols, especially in high-rise buildings and around backup power systems.
Report incidents quickly to NSITF so support can be provided without delay.
Ensure their organisations are registered with NSITF and that Employees’ Compensation contributions are up to date to guarantee full protection for their workers.
“These measures can save lives, reduce risks, and ensure timely support for those in need,” Faleye stressed.
On behalf of NSITF’s Board, Management, and Staff, he extended the Fund’s deepest sympathies to all those affected, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government and Lagos State authorities to protect Nigerian workers.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
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