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TERVER AKASE: A BLEND OF HUMILITY AND COURAGE

Published

4 years ago

October 9, 2021

By Mathias Iyaha

A British Academic Author, Douglas Everett once said “There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” Everett may have apparently factored someone like Terver Akase, the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state in that narrative.

Akase shattered the odds which made it look unlikely or bizzare for a media aide or publicist to aspire to succeed his boss. But he is on a voyage to turn his dream into reality.

When the accomplished journalist and quintessential image maker hinted on his desire to contest the Benue state governorship come 2023, some people felt it was another publicity stunt and a mere joke.

Little did such people know that any man who is committed to a cause can even without listening, heed to Richard Templar’s admonition that “When you are passionate you can be bold because you have that drive, that enthusiasm, that courage, that excitement.”

When Governor Ortom introduced Akase among others aspiring for the Benue top job at a decamping ceremony in Gboko, the ancestral headquarters of the Tiv people, it was a double shocker for the skeptics. First, they were taken aback that he was mentioned among the acclaimed giants waiting to throw their hats into the ring. Secondly, the ovation that greeted the mention of his name was not anticipated by many, owing partly to the fact that he was the youngest of the governorship aspirants on the podium. That was a loud message.

Fast forward to September 29, 2021 when Terver Akase tendered his resignation letter to the Governor and had an interactive session with journalists at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi. Many of the gentlemen of the press were visibly sober because the man who had made their job easy and access to the Governor seamless was leaving the stage. They however, didn’t hide their joy that he was aspiring to go higher, apparently blazing the trail for men of the pen profession to believe in their ability to be in the driving seat.

That same day, a reception was organized for Akase by a group, known as ‘Friends of Terver Akase’. It was meant to be a brief and modest event; but the turnout and ecstasy that characterized the gathering turned it into a carnival-like occasion, leaving Akase and even the organisers overwhelmed. The testimonies of people he helped even without meeting them and those he assisted to gain access to the Governor inundated the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka Foundation, venue of the reception-turned rally.

From commercial motorcyclists, women and youth groups, student bodies to people living with disabilities, chants of “Akase 2023” rented the air.

For a man who made it a policy that people must have access to their Governor or have the state chief executive hear their worries and concerns directly, now aspiring to occupy the top seat in Benue State will mean ensuring that the people have unfettered access to the man who leads them.

Akase’s six years as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor revolutionized that position and gave it the complexion and prestige it deserves. His temperament, composure, dexterity, humility and utmost display of emotional intelligence while speaking for his boss in the face of unprovoked media attacks made him a shining example of contemporary leadership.

His capacity, commitment to duty and innovative engagement with the people on behalf of the Governor also cleared any doubt about his ability to lead the state credibly.

Akase’s reliability and respect for official matters apparently consolidated his place in the state executive council meeting, the highest decision-making body of the state where the most important state matters are discussed. That he was part of the exco meetings all through the period he held sway as the Governor’s spokesperson is enough for him to be abreast of what to do if given the opportunity to govern the state.

Akase’s transparency and accountability in dealing with the public and those he worked with threw him up as a man who would be a sure bet for the sustenance of the legacies of Governor Samuel Ortom. The intelligent, humble but dogged prolific writer has also been solidly behind Governor Ortom in the fight against insecurity, especially the invasion of Benue communities and genocidal attacks by militia herdsmen who have turned the state into a killing field displacing millions of rural dwellers and sending children out of school. Benue people will have nothing to worry about with him in the saddle as he does not have the tendency to abandon the war that Governor Ortom has wedged against the senseless killings in the state even when his political future and life were clearly on the line.

Yes, there is the tendency for some people to view Terver Akase’s resignation to pursue his governorship ambition as foolhardy; but he must have unconsciously listened to the counsel by the last Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great when she said “I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.” The renowned publicist has indeed taken courage, as without doubt, it takes courage and bravery to serve because in the words of American Actor, Kevin Hall, “A life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, your leadership, your purpose.” This is the time that Benue people need the leadership and purpose of Akase to continue from where Governor Ortom will stop in 2023.

Akase is not a money bag who wants to bulldoze his way to power using financial muscle. He equally doesn’t carry the gait of a man looking to come into power without the consent of the people he seeks to govern. But he has always said he depends on the people to let him serve them since in the words of the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, “no man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent”. That is why he has persistently told his supporters not to attack other aspirants, but persuade the people to give him the mandate to govern them. In his words, “I have joined the governorship race to seek the opportunity to further contribute to the development of our dear state. So I will appeal to you who are supporting me to always be civil and polite to all others who are seeking the same office”.

Akase has an agenda that is not too ambitious, but targeted at holistic development of human and material resources of the state. That he has plans for all demographics in the state is a testament to the fact that he is the man to beat to the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the general election. Benue people are no doubt, lucky to have this young man who has that burning desire to contribute to the development and growth of the agrarian state.

Terver Akase who was born 44 years ago into the family of Pius Akase Ikpor of Agbeede, Gaav in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State holds a 2nd Class Upper Degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi (2004) and an MSc in Mass Communication. Akase has also completed his dissertation for a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies. He attended the College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi before gaining admission into the University.

He is an alumnus of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Programme, IVLP of the United States of America. Akase is a member of many professional bodies among which are the global network of journalists called Investigative Reporters and Editors, IRE, and Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, based in the United States.

Akase joined the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN in September, 2006, barely six months after his mandatory one year national service in Enugu state. He was Radio Nigeria’s correspondent in Rivers state between January, 2008 and 2013. Within the period of his stay in Port Harcourt, he upset the odds and became the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ. Before his appointment as a media aide to the Benue state governor in 2015, Akase was a Principal Editor and the Transportation Correspondent for Radio Nigeria network.

The calm, cool, but ever-efficient *Man of the Press* as some of his colleagues fondly call him has a good blend of public service and governance having spent about ten years in Radio Nigeria and six years in the corridors of power, watching keenly and playing active roles.

That pedigree has made him well prepared and adequately positioned to succeed Governor Samuel Ortom, a great man whose fight for the survival of Benue people and other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria must be sustained.

* Iyaha, a public affairs analyst writes from Makurdi, Benue State. 08060521213

News

Dogara Celebrates Baba Jang at 82, Hails Him as a Visionary Statesman

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2026

milcah

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has joined Nigerians in celebrating Former Governor Jonah Jang, fondly called Baba Jang, as he clocks 82 years.

In a glowing tribute, Dogara described Baba Jang as a visionary leader whose life and service remain a beacon of hope for generations. He noted that Jang’s tenure as Governor of Plateau State was marked by courage, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development.

“Baba Jang’s life is a testimony of service and sacrifice. He invested in infrastructure, strengthened institutions, and worked tirelessly to foster unity in Plateau State. His leadership was never about personal gain but about building lasting foundations for progress,” Dogara said.

He further emphasized that Jang’s integrity, resilience, and mentorship have shaped leaders across Nigeria, adding that his legacy continues to inspire beyond the boundaries of Plateau State.

“As he celebrates 82 years, we honor him not just for the offices he has held, but for the enduring impact he has made on countless lives. Baba Jang remains a statesman, a father figure, and a model of quality leadership,” Dogara added.

The tribute underscores Baba Jang’s enduring influence in Nigerian politics and governance, highlighting his role as a leader whose footprints on the sands of time cannot be erased.

News

Civil Society Coalition Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Maritime Boundaries, Oil Wells Allocation

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Becky Hassan

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), maritime experts and policy advocates has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s maritime boundary management and the allocation of offshore oil wells, calling for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

The concerns were presented on Thursday in Abuja during a civil society roundtable where the coalition leader, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, addressed stakeholders and unveiled the communiqué issued after a recent verification mission to Nigeria’s offshore maritime corridor bordering Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

The communiqué followed a technical fact-finding and verification exercise conducted at sea on February 28, 2026, focusing on Nigeria’s offshore hydrocarbon blocks OML 114, OML 115 and OML 123 as well as the maritime boundary areas involving Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

Dr. Nwambu explained that the mission involved maritime governance stakeholders, mapping professionals and public policy experts who undertook physical observation of the maritime corridor, technical mapping verification and consultations with relevant authorities.

According to the coalition, the mission sought to independently verify the status of Nigeria’s maritime boundaries, offshore hydrocarbon entitlements and the implications of administrative and regulatory decisions affecting the Cross River maritime corridor.

ICJ Judgment Clarified
Presenting the findings, the coalition noted that the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) between Nigeria and Cameroon ceded only specific settlements in the southern Bakassi Peninsula — Atabong, Akwabana and Archibong Town — to Cameroon.

The coalition stressed that several areas often assumed to have been ceded were not included in the ruling.

“The Cross River Estuary and the western Bakassi peninsular islands of Dayspring I and II, Abana and Kwa Island were not ceded under the ICJ judgment,” the communiqué stated.

The group further emphasized that Nigeria still maintains maritime boundary continuity between the Cross River Estuary and the Akwayefe River Estuary based on the ICJ cartographic evidence and the physical geography of the region.

Dr. Nwambu also clarified that the Cross River Estuary remains Nigeria’s natural maritime gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and provides Cross River State with direct offshore access.

Questions Over Boundary Management

A major concern raised by the coalition relates to the actions of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in implementing the Offshore/Onshore Dichotomy Abrogation Act using what it described as a temporary implementation map.

According to the communiqué, the baseline drawn from Tom Shot into the Cross River Estuary effectively closed the estuary’s mouth to the sea, thereby rendering Cross River State non-littoral.

The coalition warned that this development raises serious constitutional, economic and national security concerns.

It further criticized the NBC for failing to demarcate the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime boundary more than two decades after the ICJ ruling, stating that continued reliance on the temporary map could jeopardize Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The report also alleged that the situation has effectively resulted in the ceding of about 780 hectares of maritime waters within the Cross River Estuary toward the Akwayefe River Estuary to Cameroon.

Oil Wells and Revenue Concerns

Beyond boundary issues, the civil society coalition raised alarm over oil revenue allocation and the management of transboundary oil fields.

According to the findings, the failure of relevant institutions to brief the President on key inter-agency reports could prevent Nigeria from exploiting 49 identified transboundary oil wells located within OML 114 in the Cross River Estuary.

The coalition also raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities relating to the Ekanga and Zafiro transboundary oil fields jointly developed by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

It alleged that more than ₦33 billion may have been approved from the Federation Account in favour of Akwa Ibom State without clear presidential authorization.

The group further questioned whether revenues from the Ekanga and Zafiro fields — estimated at over $8 billion — had been properly remitted into the Federation Account.

Call for Presidential Intervention

To address the concerns, the coalition recommended several urgent measures, including a presidential review of the 2024 and 2025 inter-agency oil verification reports affecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

It also called for the proper demarcation of the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime boundary in line with the ICJ judgment and the establishment of a Presidential Special Investigation Panel to probe the alleged loss of Nigerian maritime waters.

Other recommendations include a forensic audit of revenues from the Ekanga and Zafiro oil fields, investigation into the alleged ₦33 billion payment approvals, and diplomatic engagement with Cameroon to develop transboundary reservoir agreements.

The coalition also urged the Federal Government to restore and recognize Cross River State’s littoral status based on the geographic and legal status of the Cross River Estuary.

National Security Implications

In its concluding remarks, the coalition warned that the issues uncovered during the verification mission have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s territorial integrity, maritime sovereignty, national security and oil revenue accountability.

Dr. Nwambu called on the President to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that transparent management of maritime boundaries and offshore resources remains critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and geopolitical standing.

The communiqué was jointly signed by representatives of the coalition of civil society organizations, maritime policy experts, technical observers and economic governance accountability groups.

News

Nigerian Youth Storm National Assembly Demands Access to Present Dishonourable Award to Senator

Published

5 days ago

March 10, 2026

milcah

Nigerian Youth under the leadership of Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly to present Senator Olajide Ipinsagba with the Most Dishonourable Senator of the year award.

EUYI previously threatened to present the Senator with the award, citing a plethora infractions and unwholesome dealings especially with his legislative aids and associates.

The group urged the Senate President to grant them access to the hallowed chambers to make the presentation as wake up call to other public servants.

Addressing the press at the National Assembly complex, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince disclosed that they had gathered as early as 7 am at the National Assembly gate only to discover that the Senate is not sitting and that the embattled Senator was absent despite prior information.

“We’re angry that Senator Olajide Ipinsagba has refused to show up and collect his award for his dishonourable conduct especially as it pertains the exploitation and underemployment of Nigeria youth under his office

“How can a Senator be paying his legislative aid 30,000 naira when the national minimum wage is 70,000 Naira? Is he the only one that needs money? Is it not wickedness to treat unemployed Nigerian youth like that?”, he queried.

The group vowed to go ahead and present the award to the Senator in person, be it in the Senate Chambers or his house. We shall however not give the award to anybody but the senator due to the “seriousness of his offense”