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ORTOM: BENUE GOVERNOR WHO FACED THE TOUGHEST HURDLES

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2024

By Prince Tyodoo Livinus

His two tenures as the governor of Benue State were marked by significant challenges that badly affected his administration and the state’s development trajectory. His leadership coincided with a tumultuous period in Nigeria’s history, characterized by economic downturns, security crises, and public health emergencies.
That man is Samuel Ortom. He led Benue State between 2015 and 2023.

The above scenario accounted for the difficulty that Governor Ortom experienced in paying salaries, pensions and gratuity regularly. I dare say that no other governor of Benue State has ever faced a quarter of the troubles that confronted Governor Ortom.

He met a state treasury in deficit with a monthly wage bill of N4.1 billion at the state level and N3.7 billion at the local government level. Meanwhile, the monthly allocation to the state had dropped from N5.6 billion in early 2015 to a mere net allocation of N2.4 billion in June 2015. It was therefore practically impossible for the Benue State Government to pay the workers with such a significant deficit. The internal revenue was merely at an average of N250 million monthly.

By the beginning of 2016, no fewer than 27 states in the country including Benue State were owing workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements. Benue, a state heavily reliant on federal allocations, was one of the worst hit.
In the month of April 2016, the federal allocation to Benue State dropped to as low as N1.3 billion!
The situation was that bad! To make matters worse, Benue State had the highest wage bill in Northern Nigeria and the 3rd highest in the country after Lagos and Rivers States.

Despite all those challenges, Governor Ortom, who had made labour leaders a part of the state and local government joint allocation committee for transparency, was managing to pay the workers by combining the allocations of two months to pay. There was no other alternative.

Some states such as Kaduna and Nasarawa opted for a pay cut of 25 percent because they could no longer afford the payment of salaries and pensions.

By 2016, Nigeria had sunk into the first of the two devastating recessions! A barrel of crude oil which was $98.97 in 2014 had dropped to $52.32 in 2015, $43.67 in 2016. it dropped to about $10 per barrel in 2020. Nigeria went into a second recession in 2020 and disbursements from the Federation Account to the three tiers of government plunged by 31 percent.

Benue Pension arrears: clearing the Augean stable

Governor Ortom inherited huge unpaid pensions and gratuities from his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam. The total size of the pensions and gratuity payable by the state government between 2015 and October 2020 alone stood at N68.195. This represented 63% of the 2020 budget. Out of that amount, the state government paid N25.465 billion by the end 2020, leaving a balance of N42.273 billion, made of N14.522 billion in pension arrears and N28.208 billion in gratuity arrears. The government paid a subsequent N3.283 billion (50%) of the average ministry’s budgetary allocation for the year.

For the 23 Local Government areas, the cost of pension, gratuity, death benefits and cumulative pension arrears that Ortom inherited was a whopping N72.456 billion. Out of this, he was able to offset N10.630 billion by the end of his first term in 2019.
This was almost an impossible task to accomplish. It was like an Augean stable. Yet, the arrears must be paid somehow, someday and – possibly – gradually, so that the government could also attend to its other obligations. Yet, serving civil servants continued to retire and add to the existing pension bill of the government.

Aware of the magnitude of the existing and potential challenge posed by the growing pensions and gratuity bill, Governor Ortom adopted a multi-pronged approach to take the bull by the horns. The administration took steps to provide immediate, short and long term solutions to the pension problem, through the establishment of the Benue State Pension Commission (BEPCOM). Modeled after the Federal Government’s National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

The Ortom administration was consistently making its own part of the contributions. By the time he was leaving office in 2023, the state’s pension contributions stood at about N6 billion, waiting to reach the threshold of N10 billion to enable the state government access funds from PENCOM to tackle the pensions and gratuity situation. It must be emphasized that the introduction of the contributory pension scheme did not stop the payment of pensioners by the Ortom administration.

Insecurity: Invasion of Benue

In addition to economic woes, Ortom’s administration was plagued by escalating insecurity, particularly due to the invasion of Benue State by armed Fulani herders. The situation grew dire as herders attacked communities in the state, leading to tragic loss of lives and displacement of over one million people. In response to this crisis, Ortom’s government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017, which aimed to curb the violence by regulating cattle grazing. However, this move was met with resistance and heightened tensions between the state government and the Federal Government, which was perceived as favouring the interests of herders over the safety of Benue people. Benue had over 1.5 million displaced people as a result of the herders attacks! The humanitarian crisis was devastating and adversely affected the resources of the state government.

The fallout from these security challenges strained Ortom’s relationship with the federal administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Ortom’s vocal opposition to the federal government’s handling of the herder-farmer conflict resulted in a loss of support from federal authorities, manifesting in the denial of certain privileges and incentives that other states received. This political isolation compounded the challenges faced by his administration.

Health Crisis and Economic Disruption

The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated the difficulties facing Benue State. As with many parts of the country and the globe, the pandemic brought economic activities to a halt, impacting local businesses and reducing state revenues even further. The government’s response required not only the implementation of health measures to curb the spread of the virus but also the introduction of economic relief efforts to support vulnerable populations. Ortom’s administration had to navigate these dual challenges, balancing public health requirements with the urgent need for economic recovery. The COVID emergency also brought with it unplanned spending as the state government had to approve the purchase of expensive health equipment such as ventilators and create fully functional isolation units and other special services to accommodate those infected by the virus.

Time is coming that Benue people will look back at the Ortom years and admit that indeed he faced the greatest challenges as governor of the state. His administration’s legacy is one of resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the complexities of governance in a turbulent socio-political landscape. The lessons learned during Ortom’s time in office will undoubtedly shape the future of governance in Benue State as it continues to confront ongoing challenges.

The current Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia is the luckiest man to lead the state. He has assumed office at a time when federal allocations to states have tripled since June 2023. He has no reason to owe salaries and pensions or fail to execute projects!
Since President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidy in May 2023, federal allocations to the state have tripled. What Benue people want to see is not just the payment of salaries and pensions but the clearing of the arrears of salaries and pensions. So far, the current government of Hyacinth Alia has not shown any sign of fulfilling his promise to clear the arrears, despite getting huge allocations and taking loans more than N130 billion in less than a year.

Prince Tyodoo is former Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

20 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

20 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.