Good morning, here is summary of latest news from Benue State today, August 23, 2024.
Legal battle erupts within Benue APC
The political crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified. The dissolved Augustine Agada-led executive has taken legal action against the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing him of contempt. Despite a restraining order issued by a Benue State High Court on Wednesday, which prohibited the dissolution of the State Working Committee, the APC leadership proceeded with the dissolution later that day. Agada and eight other members of the dissolved executive filed a motion against Ganduje, seeking judicial intervention to enforce compliance with the court’s order.
Former Benue APC Chairman, Austin Agada stays resolute
Ousted Benue APC chairman, Austin Agada, has described himself as a “product of struggle” and remains optimistic despite the recent developments. Agada reacted to his removal by the National Working Committee, stating that he is undeterred and sees “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Benue Court halts PDP State Congress
A Benue State High Court in Makurdi has issued a restraining order preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its state congress, which was scheduled for August 31, 2024. This injunction follows a lawsuit filed by a group of PDP members against the party’s officials, including the Acting National Chairman and the Benue State Caretaker Committee Chairman.
Dan Onjeh Welcomes Agada’s removal as APC chair
Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 Benue South Senatorial election, has expressed his relief following the removal of Austin Agada as the state chairman of the party. Onjeh shared his satisfaction on social media, stating that “justice was finally served.”
50,000 Jobs for IDPs and refugees in Benue State
The Benue State government, through its Innovative Entrepreneurship and Employment Initiatives (IEEI), has earmarked an estimated 50,000 direct jobs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. This initiative was disclosed by Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), during a visit by the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Raouf Mazou, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Annett Günther.
Benue youths resists alleged plot against Dangote Cement
The Benue Youth Alliance for Good Governance (BYAGG) has vowed to resist the state government’s alleged plans to force Dangote Cement PLC out of the state. The youth group claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is plotting to frustrate the company’s operations through multiple taxation and harassment, aiming to take over the cement giant through a proxy.
Illegal checkpoint operator arrested in Benue
The enforcement team of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has arrested an illegal checkpoint operator on Akpagher Road in Gboko LGA for allegedly extorting farmers. The arrest was made during a sensitization exercise led by the acting Executive Chairman of BIRS, Emmanuel Agema.
Benue Governor to recruit 9,700 teachers
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to recruit 9,700 teachers to address the gap in student-teacher ratios in the state. This initiative is part of his administration’s efforts to revolutionize the education sector and fulfill campaign promises. The recruitment is expected to enhance the quality of education and provide employment for qualified youths.
Benue Progressives Patriot Condemns PDP congress irregularities
The Benue Progressives Patriot (BPP), led by former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Terngu Tsegba, has condemned the irregularities in the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses in Benue State. The group alleged that the congresses were conducted secretly by Samuel Ortom’s associates, resulting in fabricated results that cannot be accepted.