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.
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.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
