News
Ortom inaugurates Youths Summit Committee, harps on inclusiveness
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Wednesday, inaugurated the Steering Committee to organize a summit to chart the roadmap for addressing issues affecting young people in the state.
Speaking during the ceremony at the New Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House Makurdi, the Governor charged the committee on equity, fairness and inclusiveness at all times.
The Governor stated that the End SARS protests across the country had drawn the attention of leaders at all levels to inadequacies in governance and the need to correct them for a better and guaranteed future for the youths.
He stated that young people constitute a larger percentage of Benue population and by implication, deserve not only to be carried along but that it is their legitimate right to be a part of governance.
He sympathized with those who lost their loved ones as a result of the protests in some parts of the country and prayed for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries, even as he lamented the infiltration of hoodlums to cause havoc in some of the states.
Governor Ortom commended Benue youths for their peaceful disposition during the protests and urged them to continue in that spirit.
He charged members of the steering committee to be committed to ensuring that Benue Youth Summit opens the door for greater opportunities for the young generation in the state.
“You must dedicate yourselves to working to ensure that Benue youths take their rightful position in the social, political and economic spheres of life. I assure you that our Government will give you every support and cooperation that you need to succeed in this very important assignment” the Governor stated.
Chairman of the steering committee, Dave Ogbole described Governor Ortom as a dependable voice against injustice in the country, stressing that he had always provided a direction for others to follow.
Ogbole noted that members would justify the confidence reposed in them by distinguishing themselves for a successful summit.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
Badaru pays condolence visit to Katsina State governor over death of mother
Rivers: Sole administrator suspends Governor Fubara’s political appointees
Emir Bayero bows to pressure, cancels Eid-el-Fitri Durbar
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