Politics

Don’t disgrace ex-governors; come out of hiding, face EFCC, Ortom tells Bello

Published

1 year ago

April 29, 2024

A former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has asked the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to come out of hiding and answer his case with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

Mr Ortom stated this on Sunday in Makurdi during a church thanksgiving service organised by his aides to mark his 63rd birthday anniversary.

He urged Mr Bello to come out and defend his administration, adding that his continuous hiding would bring disgrace to former governors across the country.

The ex-Benue State governor also urged his former appointees to always come forward and give account of their stewardship when called upon, saying that they could only run when they had something to hide.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond. EFCC are human beings. If they are making enquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, but I could not. I have tried those around him, but I could not do so. I want this to be noted. So wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press are here, he should come out,” Mr Ortom said.

The former governor appreciated the Benue people for their support throughout his eight years tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.

He said that being at the top for eight years was not an easy task and called on the people to always pray for their leaders.

Mr Ortom urged Benue youths to stop insulting the elders on social media and take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives and bring development to the state.

He said, “Do not insult the leaders or elders on social media. We all must be part of the process to bring peace so that progress, prosperity and development will come. The youth must take advantage of social media to bring development to themselves and to the state.

“The whole world is in your palms, in your tablets and on your phone. Look at the essence of the internet. Now that you cannot go to the farms, go to the website and see what people are doing in order to be part of the world and to add value and bring wealth to yourselves.”

Mr Ortom expressed gratitude to God for his mercies over his life and family saying he left government house a better Christian, adding that he would continue to be and worship in the house of God.

In their remarks, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, Chairman, Benue Peoples Democratic Party, John Ngbede, Senator Abba Moro among others appreciated Mr Ortom for his dogged fight for the security of the people.

They prayed to God to give him more opportunities to continue to contribute to the peace and development of the state.

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Politics

ADC Strengthens Party Structure with Release of State Chairmen Names

Published

1 hour ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in bolstering its organizational structure nationwide by releasing the names of its state chairmen for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move aims to enhance coordination and leadership at the state level as the party prepares for future elections.

Full List of ADC State Chairmen:

South-South
Akwa Ibom State: Duke Gabriel Dick
Delta State: Austine Okotie
Rivers State: Ode Lawrence E

South-East

Abia State: Iyke Nwoka
Anambra State: Patrick Obianyo
Ebonyi State: Jennifer Adibie N
Enugu State: Stella Chukwula
Imo State: Prof James Okoroma

North-Central
Benue State: Celestine Orbunda
Kogi State: John Adeli Udale
Kwara State: Adebayo Akadi
Nasarawa State: Musa S. Shuaib
Niger State: Auta Mohammed
Plateau State: Hanatu Garaba

North-East
Adamawa State: Yohanna Shehu K
Bauchi State: Hon. Haruna Hassan
Borno State: Mohammed Bolori
Gombe State: Mallam Danladi Yau
Taraba State: Adamu Hassan
Yobe State: Alh. Kalli Umar

North-West
Jigawa State: Alh. Sanni Mohammed
Kaduna State: Ahmed Tijani M
Kano State: Ungogo Musa
Katsina State: Alh. Usman Musa
Kebbi State: Hajia Hawa Mohammed
Sokoto State: Hon. Umar Farouk
Zamfara State: Alh. Kabiru Garba

South-West
Ekiti State: Adekolu O. Moses
Lagos State: George Ashiru
Ogun State: Otunba Pat. Olufemi
Ondo State: Chief Mrs. Ganiyu Sidirika
Osun State: Charles Idowu
Oyo State: Alh. Yinka Adona
FCT: Yusuf Tijani

Politics

Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

Published

17 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

Published

20 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.