Former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, alongside his wife, members of the G-14 group, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other stakeholders, have paid a courtesy visit to Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, in what observers described as a move to strengthen strategic partnerships ahead of 2027.

Welcoming the delegation, Chief Aondoakaa said the gathering was an opportunity to reflect on events of 2025 and to reinforce peace, unity and development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

He expressed appreciation to Dr. Ortom for the leadership role he continues to play in Benue politics, as well as for his support to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Chief Aondoakaa appealed to the former governor to continue serving as a peace ambassador, stressing the importance of unity, collaboration and strategic partnerships among leaders for the overall progress of Benue State.

He pledged his unwavering loyalty and commitment to work with Senator Akume and Dr. Ortom, noting that such cooperation was not driven by personal interest but by the desire to advance the Tiv Nation and the development of Benue State as a whole.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. John Uke on behalf of the Aondoakaa political family; the Benue State APC Publicity Secretary, Dan Morgan Ihomon; Amb. Chive Kaave for Zone A; Hon. Charles Torbunde for Zone B; and Chief Mrs. Monica Ugela, representing the Spring Bloom Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society. Dr. Laha Dzever delivered the vote of thanks.

Meanwhile, political analysts noted that the cross-party convergence reflects a growing sense of unity among Benue’s political elite and signals a message of continuity, integrity and collective stewardship as the state looks toward 2026 and beyond.

The Tiv Supreme Council has announced that former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kaase Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, will be conferred with the Ivaaniyange chieftaincy title.

The title, according to the Council, recognizes individuals considered to have made notable contributions to the advancement and welfare of the Tiv people.

Chief Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, currently serves in various public and private sector roles, including Chairman, Endowment Fund Raising Committee at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. He also provides advisory support on foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and agricultural development. He is associated with the West African Rice Processors Association (WARIA) and the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN).

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.

Associates describe him as a supporter of youth development and educational advancement. According to persons familiar with his philanthropic activities, he has supported scholarship initiatives and facilitated opportunities for several indigent beneficiaries over the years.

The Tiv Supreme Council stated that the new honour acknowledges what it views as his years of service in legal, governance, and agricultural sectors. The Council expressed confidence that he will continue to contribute to community development following the conferment.

Chief Aondoakaa previously received a traditional chieftaincy title, Tsar-U-Tiv Mba Sha Nasarawa, from the Mutual Union of Tiv People in Nasarawa State in 2008.

He has participated in various international engagements across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa, representing Nigeria in official and professional capacities. He has also been recognised with awards by different organisations for what they described as service and excellence.

Chief Aondoakaa is a practicing Catholic and is married with children.

The formal conferment of the Ivaaniyange title is expected to hold in Makurdi on a date to be officially issued by the Council.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), has called for a more effective and empowered local government administration as a key pathway to achieving genuine national unity.

Speaking at the official launch of the One Nigeria Project organised by the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON Emeritus) at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Aondoakaa said unity must begin at the grassroots. He noted that national policies will have limited impact unless local communities are fully involved.

According to him, “Whatever the government does at the top to promote unity will not yield meaningful results if the people at the grassroots are not carried along. Real unity starts with the villages, the communities, and the local councils.”

Aondoakaa urged the Federal and State Governments to assign local governments a stronger role in tackling insecurity, stressing that they are closest to the people and best positioned to provide early intelligence and community-driven solutions. He added that granting local councils full operational independence would not only enhance security but also stimulate development across rural areas.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting governance models that strengthen local structures, bridge divides, and bring government closer to the people.