The decision to outlaw social gatherings associated with the violence in the Sabon Garin-Tirkaniya region was made after a careful assessment of the security situation by the military, police, and Department of State Services, as well as a sudden meeting with local traditional and religious leaders at the 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna. This shows that the Kaduna State Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come under fire from the Benue state administration for reportedly seeking to challenge the legitimacy of the current governor, Samuel Ortom, ahead of the May 29, 2023, transition date. The APC has been accused by the government of making “spurious” charges against Ortom’s financial dealings and administration. Hyacinth Alia, the APC’s candidate for governor, and the Governor-elect reportedly advised the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) Limited against doing business with the current governor. Terver Akase, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, accused the APC of pressuring several permanent secretaries and government agencies to stop following Ortom’s orders statement. The “false, inflammatory, and misleading public remarks” made by the party against the current administration, according to Akase, were in addition to this. “It is ludicrous and troubling that the APC leadership in Benue State is engaged in an attrition campaign against a lawful administration whose term has not yet ended.” As they need to act quickly, they have turned to defaming and threatening the incumbent administration by using false information. He continued, “We desire to remind the APC that Governor Ortom remains the constitutionally elected Governor of Benue State and has the constitutional right to direct government agencies, grant approvals, and carry out any other business of government until May 28, 2023.” Akase pleaded with the group to stop attempting to destabilize the current situation. He also refuted the APC’s “speculation” that the state government had entered into a contract with anyone to build the city airport that had been sanctioned for the state by the Ministry of Aviation. When the Benue APC Chairman and his fellow travelers stated that the state government was involved in certain vague contractual engagements for various sums, which they curiously could not confirm, they were merely speculating. As a responsive and effective government, the Ortom administration reserves the right to hire and appoint qualified Benue natives to positions where openings exist. This administration has done just that by hiring Benue sons and daughters through the Teaching Service Board (TSB) and the State Universal Basic Education Program. Akase said that Ortom had established a transition committee and that he would collaborate with the governor-elect to pick candidates to serve on the committee. Akase advised the APC to cease showing ignorance and separate political campaigning from important matters of government.

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Jairus Awo

Jairus Awo is a Nigeiran Muiltimedia public interest journalist. He believes in the power of the media as a catalyst to development and societal growth. You can tip him an idea on Jairus@themiddlebelt.ng