Gov reinstates AG

Henry Iyorkase,Makurdi

The President of the Tyoshin Unity Forum, Professor Iyorwuese Ukase, and its Secretary, Professor John Ajai, have sent a Save Our Souls (SOS) message to the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, calling for urgent action to spare the lives of the people of Gwer West, Benue State.

Professor Ukase, in a statement made available to The Hope Metro in Makurdi, expressed concern over the incessant attacks on the Makurdi-Naka Road by herdsmen, which have resulted in the loss of several lives.

He noted that no fewer than 5,000 innocent passersby have reportedly been killed over the past ten years due to the Fulani uprisings in the affected communities in the state.

“We are jointly calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene swiftly and resolve the situation, halting this alarming trend.”

“The Naka-Makurdi Road is completely dilapidated, and as a result, Fulani mercenaries often take cover in the hinterland and attack people, leading to further loss of lives.”

“We seek the intervention of the President to establish a military presence in the area to ensure the security of lives and property in the affected communities.”

The leaders of the Forum also called for the construction of the road, emphasising that if these provisions are made, the constant killings and attacks would become a thing of the past.

They recalled that the Makurdi-Naka Road has been neglected over the years, despite being a Federal Government property in the state.

In another development, the Benue State Government has lifted the suspension on the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barrister Fidelis Mnyim.

The decision to lift the commissioner’s suspension was made at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held yesterday in Makurdi and presided over by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Briefing journalists at the end of the EXCO meeting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Tersoo Kula, said Barrister Mnyim was earlier suspended by Governor Alia for his unilateral decision to include the state, alongside others, as a participant in the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Mr Kula disclosed that Barrister Mnyim was recalled from suspension after he withdrew Benue from the list of states seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the laws establishing the two anti-graft agencies.

The Chief Press Secretary also noted that EXCO approved a counterpart fund of 30.2 billion naira, representing 60 percent, for the construction of five rural roads across the three senatorial zones, with the local government areas where the roads pass through to provide the remaining 40 percent.

The roads for construction are: Awajir/Oju, Adikpo/Kotiyo/Vandeikya, Ushongo/Har, Igwumale/Agila, and Obagaji/Okokolo/Agagbe roads.

He further stated that the sum of 567 million naira was approved as compensation for members of the Mbagwa and Mbawa communities in Makurdi Local Government for their lands earmarked for the federal housing estate project.

Additionally, EXCO resolved to domesticate the Disability Act in the state for persons with disabilities and approved a donation of ten million naira to the Nigerian Legion for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Recall that EXCO also approved the establishment of the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency to regulate signposts, billboards, and other advertisement activities.

EXCO observed a minute silence in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff.