First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has distributed 10,000 medical kits—including scrubs and Crocs—to midwives across Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, supporting maternal and child healthcare nationwide.
First Lady Champions Maternal Care with Medical Kit Donations
Kaduna Resident Doctors Halt Strike Action
The Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna’s National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has chosen to discontinue its six-day warning strike.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Monday, Dr. Josiah Yakubu, the chapter’s president, confirmed the development.
In addition to a number of discussions and interventions, including from the national and state leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, Yakubu clarified that the suspension was the consequence of an emergency congress that was convened on Saturday.
The hospital’s other resident doctors will return by 10:00 a.m., he said, and work would resume at the hospital on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.
Read Also: Wike Must Be Cautioned Over Embassy Shutdown Plans – SERAP to Tinubu
Yakubu added that the congress had determined that the Secretary to the State Government had stepped in to arbitrate on behalf of the state government ever since their industrial action began.
At the request of the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, he said, the NMA leadership had a follow-up meeting.
This was different from our first gathering, when some of our members were regrettably sent letters terminating their positions as resident physicians.
A notice that their appointments will be terminated was included in warning letters sent to certain others.
“We now realize that the management of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital took the action on their own,” he stated.
The two-hour-long conversation with the medical association, according to Yakubu, allowed all sides to understand the difficulties at hand.
According to him, “They emphasized the potential ways to resolve the industrial discord in a friendly manner.
“This was done in a way that preserves the quality of healthcare services provided by the state and does not undervalue the doctors.”
The state government, according to Yakubu, has committed to resolving the doctors’ demands and concerns and has accepted and acknowledged their validity.
The secretary to the state government, he continued, “applied for a two-month period so that the government could practically initiate and resolve these issues of manpower and the compensation of doctors in the state as demanded.”
For the Governor’s consideration, a cost implication of the switch from CONMESS 2014 to CONMESS 2024 had been prepared and sent to the SSG.
The SSG, Chairman of NMA Kaduna State, NARD President, President of ARD Kaduna, and President of ARD BDTH co-signed a mutually negotiated Memorandum of Understanding to this effect.
“The conclusion of the meeting was the expectation that these developments would be reported to the ARD Kaduna and ARD BDTH congress for review.”
Yakubu added that NARD and NMA leadership had promised to thoroughly monitor the entire process till all demands were fulfilled.
Wike Must Be Cautioned Over Embassy Shutdown Plans – SERAP to Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to act and stop what it describes as a “purported threat” from Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike that 34 foreign embassies in Abuja might close because of unpaid ground rents.
Such an action would be against diplomatic procedure and international law, SERAP warned in a statement published on its official 𝕏 Twitter on Monday, June 9.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations’ Article 22, which guarantees diplomatic missions’ inviolability and prohibits their property from being searched, requisitioned, attached, or executed, was referenced by SERAP.
The threat to shut down 34 embassies in Abuja should be promptly retracted by Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, as instructed by President Tinubu.
“[t]he premises of the mission shall be inviolable,” according to Vienna Convention Article 22, paragraph 1.
According to the group, “[t]he premises of the mission, their furnishings and other property thereon, and the means of transport of the mission shall be immune from search, requisition, attachment, or execution,” as stated in Article 22, paragraph 3.
Read Also: N10 Million Ransom Paid, Yet Retired Army Major Dies in Captivity
According to reports, the Federal Capital Territory Administration recently revealed that at least 34 embassies in Abuja had unpaid ground rents that go back to 2014. This revelation is the source of the controversy.
Over ₦3.66 million is the total amount that these missions owe.
The following embassies have been designated as defaulters: Ghana, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Tanzania, Germany, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Chad, India, Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the European Union, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea.
Others, such the Zambia High Commission (₦1,189,990), Indonesia’s Defense Attaché (₦1,718,211), and China’s Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office (₦12,000), have debts between ₦150 and ₦1 million.
In a decree published on May 26, FCT Minister Wike ordered enforcement operations against 4,794 properties with overdue rents ranging from 10 to 43 years.
This order also applied to embassies that had similarly fallen behind. Tinubu stepped in, though, in reaction to public uproar and the delicate nature of diplomatic ties, granting a 14-day grace period that ends today, Monday.
Depending on the location of their properties, embassies and other defaulters may be liable to penalty costs of ₦2 million or ₦3 million, according to Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land for the FCTA.
SERAP emphasized that while income collection is important, it must not go against international accords or diplomatic etiquette.
N10 Million Ransom Paid, Yet Retired Army Major Dies in Captivity
Joe Ajayi, a retired Army Major who was kidnapped a few weeks ago from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State, has reportedly died in captivity.
Ajayi’s family discovered his lifeless body after paying a ₦10 million ransom for his release.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at around 11:30 p.m., armed assailants abducted Major Ajayi from his home and fired indiscriminately.
According to reports, the kidnappers’ original ransom demand of ₦50 million remained unmet for a long time, causing a decline in his health due to a lack of treatment.
It was also alleged that the kidnappers informed the family that their request for his medication to be sent to him would involve an extra fee, which the family could not pay.
The abductors reduced the demand to ₦10 million naira after learning about Ajayi’s serious condition.
According to a community source, the Ajayi family agreed to pay the reduced price of ten million naira for his release since they believed he was still alive.
“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his (Ajayi’s) lifeless body,” Vanguard quoted a community source as saying.
The retired army officer’s remains have been placed in the morgue at Kabba Specialist Hospital.
Kidnapping has been believed to be on the rise in the state for some time, as evidenced by the abduction of a notable monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in the Yagba West Local Government Area, who was similarly abducted from his home in early May.
Read Also:Allegations Surface Against Tinubu Govt Over Sunday Igboho’s Frozen Accounts
He is yet to be released.
Nonetheless, the state governor, Usman Ododo, addressed the public at the Eid grounds during the recent Sallah in Okene, imploring citizens to remain calm, citing good outcomes from measures to eliminate criminal groups from the state.
Retired Joe Ajayi, 76, previously served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Kabba/Bunu Chapter.
Allegations Surface Against Tinubu Govt Over Sunday Igboho’s Frozen Accounts
The purported persecution of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, which allegedly started under previous President Muhammadu Buhari, has been accused of being carried out by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In an audio message sent on Monday, Olayemi Koiki, the spokesperson for Igboho, made the assertion.
Why the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has persisted in witch-hunting Sunday Igboho is unknown. As of right now, he remains on
“The list of wanted persons,” Koiki stated.
He continued by saying, “We requested that his bank accounts be opened, but they declined; the same is true for his businesses.
“Igboho’s offense was speaking out against the injustice that was occurring in Yorubaland, and the problems he raised are still present today.”
Igboho is regarded with respect elsewhere, yet he is still considered a criminal in his own nation, claims Koiki.
Only in his native nation is he viewed as a criminal, even when traveling the world. “No one has paid him yet, even after the court ruled that he should,” he claimed.
During the contentious raid on Igboho’s home in Ibadan in July 2021 by Department of State Services (DSS) agents, Koiki charged that the Buhari-led administration was trying to eradicate him.
The raid was allegedly carried out because of intelligence that Igboho was storing weapons, according to the DSS. Despite Igboho’s escape during the raid, the DSS subsequently labeled him sought and said they had found weaponry in his house.
Igboho fled to the Republic of Benin, where he was apprehended. He was then charged with instigating unrest, smuggling weapons, and encouraging secession from Nigeria when he was arraigned at the Court d’Appel in Cotonou.
There was celebration in some sections of the Southwest when Beninese authorities freed him in March 2022.
In addition, prominent Yoruba historian and Oodua Nation supporter Banji Akintoye said that when Igboho was in custody, the Nigerian government attempted to coerce him into abandoning his cause.
Read Also: No Single Opposition Party Can Defeat Tinubu in 2027 – Former Presidential Aspirant
The Nigerian government has allegedly failed to take Igboho off the list of sought people, Koiki bemoaned, despite court orders and the Benin Republic authorities’ decision to free him.
As a special envoy, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), the then-Chief of Army Staff, allegedly visited Igboho in prison and gave him a document pledging billions of naira in exchange for giving up his campaign for Yoruba independence, according to Akintoye.
Buratai took the document away when he refused to sign it, according to Akintoye.
Igboho allegedly wrote to Keir Starmer, the prime minister at the time and the current leader of the UK Labour Party, in October 2022, pleading with the British government to recognize and back the Yoruba independence movement in Nigeria.
Even after being freed, Sunday Igboho has not yet returned to Nigeria, and his supporters maintain that the government continues to unfairly persecute him.
No Single Opposition Party Can Defeat Tinubu in 2027 – Former Presidential Aspirant
Without a solid alliance, it would be extremely difficult for any one opposition party to beat President Bola Tinubu in the general elections of 2027, according to former presidential candidate Martin Onovo.
Onovo made this claim in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday. Onovo was a presidential candidate in 2015 under the National Conscience Party, which is now closed.
“A strong coalition of opposition forces must present a united front in order to defeat the All Progressives Congress in 2027,” he said.
Calling it a positive start, Onovo extended his support behind the coalition efforts being led by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate.
“The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the biggest coalition in the Fourth Republic’s history, was my idea. The only alternative is to form a coalition. “United minorities are more powerful than divided majorities,” he stated.
He was certain that the APC may suffer a crushing defeat at the polls thanks to a well-organized alliance.
According to Onovo, “if the coalition does not undermine itself, it will win the 2027 election with 99 percent of the vote.” If the ruling party does it correctly, it will be successful and beat them convincingly.
The Tinubu-led administration received negative marks from Onovo for mid-term performance, especially in the areas of security and basic welfare services.
“There hasn’t been much progress in addressing insecurity or enhancing the quality of life for average Nigerians,” he said.
He urged the President to spend the rest of his term effectively addressing the fundamental needs of Nigerians.
Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s Fallout with Tinubu Tied to Alleged 2023 Election Funding for Atiku
Instead of political loyalists, Onovo emphasized the necessity for capable hands in governance.
Instead of loyalists, we need capable individuals in positions. As the President assumes leadership and accountability, let’s assemble the best team, the best plans, and a moral atmosphere.
For the suffering to stop, we need the right leaders with sound economic and security plans. He went on, “Loyalty must not come at the expense of performance.”
In addition, he asked the President to step up efforts to combat corruption and take significant action to lower wealth inequality, citing them as the main sources of societal unrest and insecurity in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu’s Fallout with Tinubu Tied to Alleged 2023 Election Funding for Atiku
Muraina Taiwo, a member of Lagos State’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has stated that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s apparent feud has been resolved.
Taiwo, who spoke with Punch over the phone on Sunday, said the misunderstanding had been resolved.
“God has already resolved everything they are saying. The father (Tinubu) has dragged his son (Sanwo-Olu) closer, and the son has hugged his father; we are now together in Lagos.
“It only looked like that, but currently, we are in the meeting, and God has done it,” he told us.
Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor and APC chieftain, also weighed in, saying party leaders were actively attempting to repair the schism between the two leaders.
“You don’t expect an elder like myself to reveal what we’re doing. But know that we will not remain silent and let the situation spiral out of hand.
After all, I’m involved in the Lagos and Rivers crises. “We are assuring the nation that everything will be fine,” added Osoba.
The reconciliation comes after widespread speculation about the President’s icy attitude toward Sanwo-Olu during his recent trip to Lagos.
On May 31, at the inauguration of the 30km portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, videos leaked on social media showed Tinubu allegedly ignoring Sanwo-Olu’s greeting.
The governor was also absent from the two-day-old commissioning of the 27-kilometer Lekki Deep Seaport Road, adding to fears about deteriorating relations.
Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, attended the ceremony but did not speak on behalf of the state, which is unusual for official state ceremonies.
To add to the uneasiness, Sanwo-Olu was not in Lagos for the President’s Sallah celebrations, instead went to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to bring Governor Umo Eno into the APC.
Meanwhile, images of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa prostrating before Tinubu in Lagos went viral on Saturday, implying a deepening split.
However, on Sunday, the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, shared a group photo of Tinubu with Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, Obasa, and GAC members on X, implying a restoration to normalcy.
According to sources close to the Lagos political structure, the schism predates the current Lagos Assembly crisis, which resulted in Obasa being briefly removed as speaker before his reinstatement.
According to Punch, Tinubu’s rage was fueled by reports that Sanwo-Olu supported Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign, which both the Presidency and Atiku’s camp have firmly denied.
According to the source, “it is proven that there is a gap (between the President and the governor). According to what I gathered, it was because Sanwo-Olu was reported to have provided Atiku money during his campaign.
“Recall that at one point, Sanwo-Olu sought the court to seek an injunction against the EFCC from investigating him. “The following day, Sanwo-Olu denied it.”
He said that the governor’s decision was the result of a deteriorated relationship.
“The Obasa’s issue is just the last straw that broke the camel’s back,” said one insider.
While allegations of financial ties between Sanwo-Olu and Atiku gained momentum in certain stories, the Presidency, Atiku, and the EFCC all denied them.
Atiku, via his media adviser, Paul Ibe, described it as a “baseless smear campaign.”
In 2024, news appeared that Sanwo-Olu had launched a lawsuit against the EFCC to avoid a possible post-tenure detention. The Lagos State administration, through its Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disputed the claim.
The EFCC further denied that its ongoing case against Aisha Achimugu, a socialite who has been proclaimed sought for alleged money laundering, has anything to do with Atiku or Sanwo Olu.
Read Also: Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu: Coastal Road Can’t Outweigh Security Needs
Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu: Coastal Road Can’t Outweigh Security Needs
Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has called the current coastal highway project being carried out by President Bola Tinubu’s administration an inappropriate priority.
According to the former governor of Anambra State, the current administration must address more urgent problems including the difficulties posed by insecurity and a faltering economy.
He asked why such massive infrastructure projects are being prioritized above initiatives that directly impact residents’ lives.
In a Monday interview with Arise Television, Obi questioned the project’s timing and justification for the Lagos-Calabar coastal route.
He said it is dubious to spend a lot of money on a number of infrastructure projects that will “lead nowhere when we have crisis.”
He questioned, “Are you saying that securing Nigeria is less important than the coastal road?”
According to reports, the former governor maintained that before starting such large-scale initiatives as the coastal highway project, the problems of insecurity and economic stabilization must be resolved.
Read Also: Political Feud Between Akume and Alia Deepens Insecurity in Benue
“The roads we have across the nation are no longer durable,” he remarked. You secure your nation by using your resources and repairing those roads first. Roads are significantly less important than security. If you couldn’t drive to your village, would you rather have a road? Let’s continue what we are doing if you would like. Therefore, let’s address those issues if you claim that our problem is power, our problem is insecurity, or they are unable to travel to the farm.
As a government, we are. We need to take immediate action to protect our people.
He urged the administration to provide the security forces the authority to respond forcefully to any criminal danger.
“We would proclaim a state of war if we were engaged in combat. I would do everything it took to protect the nation,” Obi declared.
Political Feud Between Akume and Alia Deepens Insecurity in Benue
By Nelson Ogbu
Benue State is facing a dual crisis: a surge in insecurity and a festering political feud between two of its most influential sons—Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia. Their power struggle within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fractured the party and now threatens to undermine efforts to address the state’s growing security concerns.
Origins of the Feud
The tension between Akume, a long-standing political leader in Benue, and Governor Alia, once his protégé, began over disagreements in party leadership and governance style. The tipping point came in 2023 during the tussle over the Speakership of the Benue State House of Assembly. While Akume backed Mrs. Becky Orpin, Governor Alia outmaneuvered him to install his ally, Mr. Aondona Dajoh, as Speaker—signaling a significant power shift.
Despite Governor Alia’s public denials, dismissing the rift as mere “speculation,” the divide is visible. The APC in Benue now operates in two clear factions: one loyal to Alia, led by Benjamin Omale, and the other to Akume, led by Austin Agada. Attempts by the APC national leadership to mend fences, including forming a caretaker committee with members from both camps, failed after Agada’s group secured a court order to block the dissolution of its executive.
Security Implications of Political Disunity
The timing of this political disarray could not be worse. Benue is once again witnessing a rise in violence, particularly deadly clashes between farmers and herders. In recent weeks, coordinated attacks in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas claimed more than 20 lives.
These tragedies highlight the urgent need for cohesive and united governance. Unfortunately, political rivalry has disrupted crucial lines of communication and cooperation. Influential politicians loyal to Akume—many of whom reside in conflict-prone areas and possess valuable grassroots intelligence—are reportedly sidelined by the Alia administration. The reverse is also true, creating an information gap and weakening collective response strategies to the violence.
Governance Paralysis and Fallout
The feud has paralyzed parts of the Benue State administration. Lawmakers aligned with Akume have faced suspensions, denial of official vehicles, and delays in accessing constituency allowances. Meanwhile, federal legislators allied with the SGF remain at odds with Governor Alia, further exacerbating the dysfunction.
This internal strife distracts from the urgent need to secure lives and property. Criminal elements are emboldened by the lack of unified leadership, exploiting administrative gaps to intensify attacks on communities.
Calls for Reconciliation
Recognizing the damage the feud is causing, several stakeholders have appealed for unity. The Tiv Traditional Council, led by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, has intervened, urging both leaders to place Benue’s interests above personal or political ambitions. The North-Central APC Forum has similarly warned that continued division could spell doom for the party’s 2027 electoral prospects in the region.
Despite these peace overtures, reconciliation remains elusive. Reports suggest that Governor Alia has resisted efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other APC elders to broker peace. In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Alia hinted at deeper political undercurrents, revealing that preliminary findings from a Judicial Commission of Inquiry on insecurity point to the complicity of “big Abuja-based politicians”—a veiled reference many believe targets Akume’s allies.
He further vowed to take decisive action against those implicated, stating, “I will deal with them without mercy when the full report is out.”
The ongoing feud between Senator George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia is more than a political power struggle—it is a destabilizing force undermining governance and worsening insecurity in Benue State. At a time when unity is vital to confront violence and restore peace, disunity within the ruling party has left the state vulnerable.
Benue’s path to peace, development, and stability hinges on reconciliation and collaboration among its political leaders. Anything less risks plunging the state deeper into crisis, with citizens paying the ultimate price.
Insecurity in Benue State: A Comparative Analysis of Ortom’s Bold Leadership vs. Alia’s Passive Approach
Benue State continues to grapple with violent farmer-herder clashes and widespread insecurity. While both former Governor Samuel Ortom and current Governor Hyacinth Alia inherited deeply rooted crises, their approaches to resolving these issues have been markedly different. Ortom is remembered for bold, confrontational policies aimed at defending his people, whereas Alia’s tenure has been characterized by cautious rhetoric and minimal innovation. This report evaluates their leadership styles, policies, and outcomes, revealing why Ortom’s tenure is seen as more effective in the fight against insecurity.
1. Security Philosophy: Transparency vs. Denial
Ortom: Direct and Confrontational
Governor Ortom adopted an unyielding stance on insecurity, openly condemning herder attacks and challenging the federal government’s perceived complicity. He frequently addressed the public during crises, even inviting media coverage of mass burials to highlight the severity of the violence. This transparency built public trust and mobilized support for state-led interventions.
Alia: Ambiguous and Evasive
Governor Alia, on the other hand, projects an image of “relative peace,” often downplaying ongoing violence. His administration has been accused of suppressing information about killings, particularly after declaring peace in troubled areas like Gwer East, where attacks have continued. Farmers and local leaders see this as a denial of reality and a betrayal of their suffering.
2. Policy Implementation: Institutional Innovation vs. Cosmetic Changes
Ortom’s Legislative and Structural Framework
Ortom’s government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017, a decisive legal step to restrict herders’ movements and prosecute offenders. He also established the Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, both aimed at localized intelligence gathering and law enforcement.
Alia’s Minimal Adjustments
Alia has retained Ortom’s laws without introducing significant new legislation or enforcement strategies. His main contribution has been the rebranding of Ortom’s security outfits into “Operation Anyam Nyor,” a move critics say is superficial. No substantial institutional reforms have accompanied this change, and operational efficiency remains stagnant.
3. Federal Engagement: Defiance vs. Compliance
Ortom: Confronting the Centre
Ortom boldly criticized the Buhari administration for failing to protect Benue, often accusing it of enabling attacks. While this confrontational approach strained federal relations, it rallied local support and drew national attention to Benue’s plight.
Alia: Silence and Submission
In contrast, Alia avoids criticizing the federal government under President Tinubu, choosing instead to praise federal support despite the persistence of violence. This deference is viewed as political expediency rather than genuine leadership.
4. Operational Outcomes: Measurable Action vs. Rhetoric
Ortom: Localized Security Response
Under Ortom, security forces trained and deployed across rural areas responded rapidly to attacks. The Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards were active in enforcing the anti-grazing law, leading to arrests and deterrence.
Alia: Equipment without Effectiveness
Although Alia has distributed motorcycles and Hilux vehicles to security agencies, he has admitted that no terrorists have been apprehended. His security initiatives have yielded no measurable success, and even his supporters question the effectiveness of these efforts.
5. Humanitarian Response: Empathy vs. Optics
Ortom: Focused on IDP Protection
Ortom maintained IDP camps and acknowledged the displacement of over four million people, attracting local and international support. His administration prioritized safety over public relations.
Alia: Forced Returns Amid Ongoing Violence
Alia has claimed that IDPs have reduced to under one million and has reopened markets in some areas. However, reports indicate that many of these “returns” are premature, with attacks still occurring in local governments like Agatu and Gwer West. Survivors have accused the government of coercing returns to create a false image of peace.
6. Leadership and Accountability: Courage vs. Excuses
Ortom: Political Courage
Ortom survived an assassination attempt and refused to repeal the anti-grazing law despite federal pressure. He stood firmly with Benue farmers, earning widespread respect for his resolve.
Alia: Deflecting Responsibility
Alia continues to blame Ortom for the insecurity he inherited, even though Ortom faced similar challenges from his own predecessors. His aides accuse Ortom of “envy” rather than addressing the current realities. Residents in places like Gwer East describe a growing sense of abandonment and fear.
Leadership Matters
Ortom’s tenure, though not without flaws, was marked by three defining traits that are glaringly absent in Alia’s administration:
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Transparency: Willingness to expose the harsh realities to mobilize help and demand justice.
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Accountability: Creation and enforcement of legal frameworks to protect lives.
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Courage: Readiness to confront political powers to defend Benue’s interests.
Alia’s leadership so far has relied on inherited policies, minimal reform, and public relations narratives. Without concrete results, his claims of peace appear hollow. Until Governor Alia adopts a bolder and more transparent strategy, Benue’s security situation risks further decline.
Final Verdict:
Samuel Ortom stood with the people in their darkest moments, confronting attackers and calling out federal failures. Hyacinth Alia, by contrast, appears more concerned with avoiding controversy and maintaining political alliances. The difference is clear: Ortom fought for Benue’s future; Alia merely manages its perception.