Television Nigerian

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) uninvited meddling in the PDP’s internal affairs has been denounced by the party.
They maintained that, unless party officers or candidates are being elected, the electoral body does not have the constitutional authority to control gatherings like National Executive Committee (NEC) sessions.
Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national publicity secretary, made this statement on Sunday while briefing reporters on significant events leading up to the 100th NEC meeting, which is set for June 30, 2025.

Ologunagba claims that, in accordance with standard procedure, the PDP informed the INEC of the next NEC meeting, even though these gatherings do not fall under the legal definition of political events in which the INEC must be involved.
“INEC does not participate in the NWC or NEC’s regular meetings. The Supreme Court has made it very evident in multiple decisions that these are internal party affairs, Ologunagba said.

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He clarified that INEC only needs to be informed of conventions, congresses, or primaries involving the election of party officers or candidates in accordance with Nigerian law and the PDP constitution.

“We did not specify that the purpose of the meeting was to nominate candidates for elective posts, hold primaries, or elect executives. However, Halilu Aminu, the INEC Acting Secretary, made the unilateral decision to give our meeting a goal,” he stated.

Ologunagba went on to say that the PDP’s 100th NEC meeting will examine the status of its upcoming national convention preparations, including reports from the Convention and Zoning Committees established at the 99th NEC meeting.

It was decided unanimously at the 99th NEC meeting to set the next meeting for June 30. Both the Convention Committee’s and the Zoning Committee’s constitutions were accepted. Consultations with stakeholders and other party organs are still going on,” he stated.

Benue State has been gripped by continuous violence, with armed attacks displacing hundreds and leaving a path of bloodshed. While many leaders have politicized the situation, Hon. Chief Dr. Philip Agbese, a federal politician, has emerged as a brave and passionate advocate for truth, accountability, and swift action. His contributions not only revealed Benue’s governance shortcomings, but also presented tangible remedies to slow the tide of insecurity.
For months, the Benue State government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, minimized the gravity of attacks, frequently presenting them as “farmers-herders clashes” rather than addressing the systemic brutality against communities. This narrative was disrupted when Hon. Agbese repeatedly raised concerns, claiming that the issue was considerably more serious, a purposeful terror campaign aimed at uprooting indigenous peoples.
His efforts culminated in a watershed moment when the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, stated unequivocally during President Bola Tinubu’s visit that the killings were not communal confrontations, but rather a deliberate land-grab by armed herders. This revelation exposed the governor’s false claims and compelled a national reckoning over Benue’s misery.
Hon. Agbese has been unwavering in keeping the state and federal governments accountable. In legislative debates, he chastised the security apparatus for its ineptitude, pressing President Tinubu to take quick action rather than permitting endless deliberations with no actual outcomes.
He emphasized the frightening incident in Otukpo, where assailants operated freely, describing it as “something only imaginable in a movie.” His determination on telling the truth, even at the risk of personal political repercussions, has made him a target of those who profit from the situation. Despite this, he remains undeterred, stating that he would rather lose everything than keep silent while lives are lost.
Unlike many politicians who merely mourn, Hon. Agbese has continuously provided remedies.
1. Improving Security Coordination: He echoed President Tinubu’s request for more collaboration between federal and state security organizations.
2. Local Government Autonomy: He stressed that the emasculation of local governments, which have been denied finances and authority, has exacerbated instability by crippling grassroots security organizations.
3. Full Implementation of Anti-Open Grazing Law: He supported the Tiv Traditional Council’s ultimatum for herders to leave Benue, arguing that ranching remains the most sustainable alternative.
4. Community-Driven Security: He called for state policing and community intelligence networks to allow for faster responses to attacks.
Hon. Agbese appeared on TVC News the day before President Tinubu’s visit to Benue, advising stakeholders to “call a spade a spade” and refrain from politicizing the debates. His worries were verified when the governor’s deceptive narratives crumbled under Tor Tiv’s scathing evidence.
While Governor Alia shifted blame and evaded responsibility, Hon. Agbese openly recognized that leaders, including himself, had failed the people. This uncommon display of accountability contrasted sharply with the governor’s deflective tactics.
The Advantages of Hon. Chief Dr. Philip Agbese’s Contributions to Security in Benue State and Nigeria
Hon. Chief Dr. Philip Agbese’s initiatives in Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in Benue State, have resulted in substantial policy changes and increased public awareness. His strong attitude has helped to shift narratives, demand accountability, and provide practical answers. The following are the primary benefits of his contributions:
1. revealing the true nature of Benue’s insecurity.

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– Ending Government Denialism: Prior to Agbese’s actions, the Benue State government frequently dismissed attacks as mere “clashes.” His relentless campaigning prompted a shift in the narrative, resulting in national recognition of the seriousness of the issue.
– Tor Tiv’s Revelation: His pressure helped lead to Tor Tiv’s historic revelation during President Tinubu’s visit, which revealed Benue’s systematic killings and land-grabbing goal.
2. Holding Government Accountable – Challenging Federal Inaction: By openly criticizing security agency shortcomings and pressing President Tinubu to act, Agbese influenced the federal government to reconsider its stance.

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– Exposing State Government Failures: His warnings against politicizing insecurity were confirmed when Governor Alia’s deceptive narratives failed during the presidential visit.
3. Offering practical security solutions
– Advocating for State Policing: Agbese has been a vocal supporter of constitutional revisions that would allow for state policing, potentially improving local responses to attacks.
– Strengthening Anti-Open Grazing Laws: His backing for the enforcement of Benue’s anti-grazing law has fueled calls for ranching as a long-term solution.
– Calling for Local Government Autonomy: He emphasized how weak local governments contribute to insecurity and advocated for their financial and operational empowerment.
4. Increasing national and international awareness.
– Media Engagements: His appearances on platforms such as TVC News exposed Benue’s situation to a larger audience, raising demand for intervention.
– Parliamentary Advocacy: His statements in the House of Representatives guaranteed that Benue’s insecurity remained a national legislative priority.
5. Inspiring Civic Courage and Leadership via Leading by Example. Unlike many politicians who avoid difficult conversations, Agbese’s openness to accept leadership failings establishes a baseline of accountability.
– Encouraging Citizen Participation: His outspokenness has inspired more Nigerians to demand action from their leaders.
6. Potential Long-Term Impact – Policy Influence: His ideas, such as state policing and improved security coordination, may influence future government actions.
– Preventing Future Manipulation: By demonstrating how insecurity is politicized, he has made it more difficult for politicians to manipulate facts for personal gain.
Hon. Agbese’s contributions have gone beyond hyperbole, resulting in genuine change in awareness, accountability, and policy deliberations. While long-term security improvements require ongoing efforts, his bold advocacy has established the groundwork for success. Benue and Nigeria require more leaders like him, who value truth and action over political expediency.
Hon. Chief Dr. Philip Agbese’s unflinching dedication to truth and justice has reshaped leadership in Nigerian security debate. His courage in confronting institutional flaws, suggesting alternatives, and emphasizing humanity over politics has earned him the admiration of Benue residents and Nigerians in general.
As the nation grapples with growing violence, leaders like Agbese demonstrate that integrity and action, not grandstanding, are what the people actually require. Benue’s hope for long-term peace may rest on such bold voices refusing to let the world turn away.
Okanga 12 Disciples – Motto: Continuity and Progress
Mission: 4+4=8.

Samuel Ortom, the former governor of Benue State, has advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to refrain from using him as a scapegoat for the ongoing humanitarian crisis and insecurity in the state, claiming that focusing just on his name won’t stop the deaths.

Terver Akase, his former chief press secretary, released a statement on his behalf on Sunday, expressing Ortom’s dissatisfaction that the Alia-led administration is still avoiding its duties by placing the blame on previous leaders.

In response to Governor Alia’s recent remarks claiming Benue recorded more than four million internally displaced people during Ortom’s administration, the former governor believes the assertion is untrue and misleading.

“Under Ortom’s watch, Benue State recorded the highest number of IDPs in its history, with over four million people displaced from their ancestral homes,” stated Governor Alia in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula. The weakness of reactive rhetoric in the absence of strategic backing for security architecture is highlighted by this figure.

In response, Akase questioned the governor’s priorities and contested the statistics.

Chief Ortom never asserted that there were four million internally displaced people. To produce precise, verified data, the administration collaborated with respectable humanitarian organizations. Governor Alia inherited, approved, and provided the 1.5 million figure to partners, and it was officially documented as well,” he said.

Akase also charged that the Alia government constantly framed any disagreement as an assault on Ortom.

Governor Alia and his staff have made it their goal to bring Ortom’s name up in every situation, whether it is pertinent or not, ever since he took office. “This fixation won’t resolve the state’s crisis,” Akase stated.

The way the government handled the latest IDP protest at the Makurdi International Market camp, where displaced people claimed to feel abandoned, was slammed by him.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA was spotted at a luxury wedding in the UK, as IDPs demonstrated against neglect and starvation. A press release addressing that ignominious insensitivity was what we anticipated. Rather, we received another assault on Ortom,” he said.

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The time for excuses was past, Akase said, and he asked the governor to put President Bola Tinubu’s security roadmap into action during his most recent visit to the state.

“The President provided doable measures to alleviate Benue’s insecurity.” He claimed that instead of taking action, Governor Alia is constantly making excuses. One day, he blames foreign mercenaries, the next, “Abuja politicians,” and now even religious leaders.

“My Daily Song Testifying Okanga Victory In 2027” is a stirring musical homage to Okanga that honors his inspirational journey from modest beginnings to a symbol of hope for the people. The song’s lyrics describe a guy who ascended through the ranks via unwavering sacrifice, service, and compassion for the poor rather than through self-centered ambition.

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As a leader who “served the low, healed the lost,” and carried the burden of responsibility for the advancement of society, Okanga is vividly portrayed in the song. The anthem calls on people to back Okanga as the 2027 elections get near, comparing each vote to “heaven’s seed” that will contribute to the realization of a common destiny.

This anthem has struck a deep chord in many communities, serving as a rallying cry and a constant reminder of Okanga’s unwavering dedication to national advancement and grassroots empowerment.