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‘We’re under God’s grace’ – Ortom speaks on emergence of believers as paramount rulers in Benue
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, says his emergence as fifth democratically elected Governor of Benue State and the selection of believers as Paramount Rulers in the two dominant tribes in the state is a manifestation of God’s grace upon the State.
He explained that it is this same grace that made it possible for him to be the 5th Governor while the paramount rulers of Tiv and Idoma nation are also the 5th in the emergence.
Governor Ortom gave this hint on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the Makurdi residence of former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Ngunan Addingi, during a reception in her honour following a thanksgiving service.
He said this is enough blessing to be appreciated, stressing that all should share in the grace and be confident that Benue will come out of its challenges stronger.
The Governor described Mrs Addingi as a woman of virtue and principles who distinguished herself in service to the State.
Particularly, Governor Ortom recalled how the former commissioner who was a member of the 8th Benue State Assembly declined monetary offers to take sides with those he described as “evil forces who rose against me just for standing in defence of my people to impeach me. This woman rejected the financial inducement to sign the impeachment against me. I celebrate her. I celebrate her husband. And I bless her for her commitment to the service of Benue state.”
While appreciating those who took their time to celebrate with Mrs Addingi on her thanksgiving, Governor Ortom described her action as a demonstration of integrity, fairness, justice and equity for the people, saying Benue land must not be compromised for whatever reason.
Governor Ortom later paid condolence visit to the family of late Celestine Stanley Pine, who died on January 17, 2022 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.
The Governor, while consoling the bereaved family, prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest, adding that only God gives and takes life and should be appreciated at all times for good or bad.
He urged the bereaved family to be strong and build on the legacies of the deceased, even as the eldest son of the deceased, Master Tersoo Pine, thanked the Governor for his support and condolence visit.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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