Ashongo blames Militia Activies in Kwande On Yachiga Akputu, Akperashi,Kwenbe

HON. AZUA ASHONGO (JP) writes from:OPPOSITE OWNER OCCUPIER ESTATE, ABU-KING SHULUWA ROAD, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE.



DR. (SEN) GEORGE AKUME,

SENATE MINORITY LEADER,

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA.



AND

THE PUBLIC

MILITIA ACTIVITY IN KWANDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

It has become necessary for me to write and explain about my humble self as a person and certain mis-happenings in Kwande Local Government and to apologise to the good people of Kwande Local Government, Sen (Dr.) George Akume (Senate Minority Leader) and the public.

I am Hon.Azua Avough Ashongo (JP) highly respected, outspoken and courageous son of Mbakan, Tondov II Council Ward, Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state. Born to the parentage of Pa, Avough Ashongo and his wife, Mrs. Mary Avough Ashongo (both of blessed memory).

I had my primary school education at N.K.S.T Primary School, Hingir then R.C.M Primary School, Sankera, Ukum Local Government and back to N.K.S.T Primary School, Hingir, Mbakan, Kwande Local Government Area before proceeding to People’s Comprehensive High School, Lessel and obtained six (6) credits (not forged and can be tendered). The quest for further studies prompted me to enrol for a Diploma Programme in Accounting with Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi where I obtained a Diploma in Accounting (Upper Credit, which can also be tendered). Again, I enrolled for a degree programme with the same BSU, Makurdi, from where I came out with a B.Sc. (Hons.) Accounting (Second Class Lower Division, which can be voluntarily tendered, without asking you to go to BSU to find out). I am happily married with five children and a practicing communicant.

I cut my political teeth as early as 1990 when the good people of Tondov Ward (now Tondov I and Tondov II Ward) overwhelmingly elected me as councillor representing Tondov Ward on the platform of SDP. I remain the most memorable councillor in the history of Tondov Ward and my name has become a house-hold name in Tondov and Shangev-ya as a whole.

I was appointed Supervisory Councillor for Education in 1991 and as a result of my exemplary leadership qualities, I was elected as Leader of Kwande legislative Council from 1992 to 1993, when the military again truncated the country’s nascent democracy. But as soon as the military sounded a new bell of democracy in Nigeria, I woke up early and because of leadership qualities again, I was elected Chairman of the party U.N.C.P, Kwande Chapter. I joined PDP in 1999 and was also elected its State Treasurer from 2001 to 2002. It was while serving in this capacity that I was appointed as the Transition Committee Chairman for Kwande Local Government Council from 30th May, 2002 to 8th Aug, 2003, under the administration of His Excellency, Dr. George Akume Dajo (the man who stopped third term agenda in Nigeria and indeed, he is a hero), and in 2005, I was one of the elected National Delegates to the PDP National Convention after my tenure as chairman of the council.

However, following the controversial circumstances that led to my disgraceful political exclusion engineered by some self-seeking PDP stewards who were bent on bringing me down at all cost, I tactfully shifted my loyalty to the new famous and dreaded Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), more popularly called “The Broom”. Due to my past record, the entire good people of both Tondov I and Tondov II joined the party, I became a well respected and recognized elder of ACN in Kwande and Benue, having supported and tirelessly worked towards “Ishor Chenji” in Benue state.

MY ENVIABLE PAST RECORD

My contribution to the development of Tondov ward and Kwande Local Government Area as an elected councillor under the SDP from 1991 to 1993.

I was the first Tondov person who constructed bridges/culverts using iron and cement in Tondov ward. Just to mention but a few:

1. Constructed a bridge at River Uchua, River Atesen and Anaha in Tondov ward and constructed a bridge at River Dura Ombur in Mbaketsa ward;

2. Constructed 11 culverts along Ajio through Koti to Iyon Road;

3. Constructed a two classroom block at NKST Primary School Hingir Mbakan, Shangev-ya;

4. Employed 42 persons from Tondov ward into local government council. Just to mention but a few; Ule Deade, Michael Akpera, Tondo and others;

The things mentioned above (1-4) are physically be ascertained, not Radio Benue Projects.

AS A STATE TREASURER OF PDP, BENUE STATE

1. Bought clothes, rolls of wrappers and cows worth over N700, 000 and distributed free-of-charge to the good people of Shangev-ya. The occasion was witnessed by Hon. Orya Korinjo, then Special Advisor to His Excellency, Dr. George Akume;

2. Gave free medical assistance of N250, 000 to Mrs. Mnena Ungwaga.

AS A CARE-TAKER CHAIRMAN, KWANDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL:

1. Re-constructed the bridge across River Uchua;

2. Built a new market in Adikpo and allocated stores to traders;

3. Gave money for the construction of a clinic at Gbe, Nanev, to Terkula Azua (contractor, records with K.L.G.C);

4. Gave money for the construction of a Council Hall at Adagi to Mr. Agbaanyi (contractor, records with K.L.G.C);

5. Built and allocated stores to Chief Gbenda Ukera, Hon. Gbaior Atser and others at Jato-Aka Market;

6. Employed 190 new staff for local government, a feat that no one did since the creation of local governments in Nigeria.

7. I introduced the appointment of Special Advisors to the Chairman and appointed Toryila Gbangban (who was in ANPP) as my Special Advisor on Politics and Other Matters;

8. Introduced the new standard bags and ‘mudu’ for the measuring of commodities to the gain of local sellers (farmers);

9. Prompt and regular payment of workers’ monthly salaries/wages;

10. Bought twenty (20) motor-cycles and distributed free-of-charge to the deserving people of Kwande Local Government namely; Terzungwe Usor, Abanyi Sugh, Aondowase Bigila and others;

11. During the sad and regrettable military invasion of Kwande , I did not only reach out to all families of the victims to condole them, but also gave some of the bereaved relations jobs to become bread winners and support their respective families. Even though these people were not in the same political party with me.

12. The first chairman to promptly order the payment of all entitlements of newly crowned Traditional Rulers in the local government and Benue state as a whole.

THE ORIGIN OF THE SLOGAN “IGBOR-IWA-ANYI”

I was a farmer and I am still a farmer till date. I suffered so much under the hands of Ibo/Hausa commodity merchants who normally use extra-large bags and ‘mudu’ to cheat farmers in Adikpo and Jato-Aka markets respectively. Sometimes, the Ibo/Hausa merchants will buy from the farmers without paying money on the spot (it is happening today). In most cases, farmers wait for their money from these merchants up to 12 mid-night and in turn the Ibo/Hausa merchants pay to the farmers less than what was the price. This practice went on and on and it got me worried. I was looking for an opportunity to stop that practice and as God may have it, I was appointed care-taker Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council. I then told myself, the opportunity has come, what do I do? I quickly met a barrister (Barr. Simon Gese, Esq.), who drafted a Bye-Law introducing the new standard bags ‘27’, ‘28’ and ‘mudu’ for the measurement of commodities to the advantage of local sellers and basically, on cash-and-carry basis.

This Bye-Law was signed into law by me and served to all the courts and security agents in the local government area and announcements were put on Radio Benue and in all the markets in the local government for a period of one month.

After that, I personally went to Adikpo, bought all “27” and “28” standard bags and ‘mudu’ and stamped and signed for the Ibo/Hausa merchants to be used in buying commodities.

This did not go down well with the Ibo/Hausa merchants and most of them were caught and fined.

And in the following Adikpo Market day, all the Ibos/Hausas who came to buy local commodities parked their big lorries out of the Adikpo Motor Park and went to Ushongo Market. Thereafter, sent a message to farmers (sellers) that unless they (sellers) asked me to park all my bags and ‘mudu’ out of the market, they (merchants) will not buy anything or they (sellers) should carry their commodities to Ushongo Market for the merchants to buy.

This news got to me when I was in the office and I quickly went to Adikpo Market where I met this situation. At this time, the sellers (farmers) were stranded. I then summoned all the farmers (sellers) in the Adikpo Market inside the motor park.

My revenue officer, Mr. T.T Ulaka, who gave to me all the prices of all the commodities in the market. I then topped N2, 500 each on all the commodities and also asked my treasurer and cashier of the Local Government to bring to the market the sum of Three Million Naira (N3, 000, 000.00) to buy all the commodities from farmers/sellers and kept so that the local government can in-turn sell to the Ibo/Hausa merchants at a controlled price and in the standard bags and ‘mudu’.

This action went down well with the farmers/sellers and this was a big plus to me because everybody present was extremely happy. At this point somebody shouted that any Ibo (referred in Tiv land as Iwa, just like the Hausas who call a Tiv man ‘munchi’) who refused to obey the order should be kicked out, using the slogan “I gbor Iwa (Ibo) Anyi”

This posture compelled hitherto recalcitrant merchants to comply with the new local government policy, thus saving farmers/sellers from the anguish and frustrations they were subjected to by the middlemen in the markets. Throughout my tenure, I was the person who was fixing prices for all the commodities in all the markets in Kwande Local Government Area.

Incidentally, while this action tamed the tide and was beneficial to the farmers who praised me till date, this slogan was directed to the Ibos (Iwa) resisting my orders is now being misconstrued in certain quarters. Some mischief makers and detractors (like all of you who wrote negatively against me) who are bent on smearing the long earned good name or destroying the political career of my very self have been wrongly and mischievously quoting this slogan in political circles and anti-people connotation, contrary to what this had meant.

The slogan “Igbor-Iwa-Anyi” became popular when Tersugh Yachiga and John Akperashi militia borrowed this slogan and was using to destroy houses in Adikpo and Jato-Aka, using the slogan “Ashongo Kaa Er Nyi? Igbor-Iwa-Anyi” My house, Chief Ason Bur, Amokaha Adikpo and other houses were burnt and destroyed by Tersugh Yachiga/John Akperashi’s militia using this slogan.



AS A MEMBER OF ACN

I have love for my people and as someone who is always looking for peace and progress of Kwande, when ACN members were to host Prof. Steve Ugba and Dr. (Sen.) George Akume in Shangev-ya, miscreants sponsored by Terlumun Akputu and PDP, brandishing machine guns and other dangerous weapons, destroyed and even burnt down Prof. Ugba’s billboards and portrait at Adikpo with further threats to disrupt the event at Shangev-ya , and on the following day 12th Feb, 2011, I quickly mobilized the youth and women who marched to the police station, acting Ter Kwande and round all the major streets of Adikpo in protest calling on all the good people of Kwande to remain calm and the ACN Youth not to take laws into their hands. The outcome of this was a successful outing of the ACN in Shangev-ya without hitches.

THE ORIGIN OF MILITIA IN KWANDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA LED BY YACHIGA AND AKPERASHI (ANPP 2000-2005, PDP 2005-2011)

Sometime in year 2000, the Turan community had a problem with the Jukun in Takum, Taraba state. In preparation for a counter-attack, they contributed money and bought some sophisticated weapons and hired militia ready for action and the chairman of this arrangement was Tersugh Yachiga. Although this did not happen, Tersugh Yachiga, who all along had a high ambition for chairmanship and had decided to use this sophisticated weapons and maintained the militia for the local government election. The head of the militia was given some training by giving what is called in Tiv as “Gber Kpugh”. It was at this juncture that Hon. Samuel Akende hired five militia and camped them at his hotel in Achia who finally went and killed the head of the militia in Jato-Aka, without my knowledge as the local government chairman. In a reaction to this attack, Yachiga’s militia then killed the five militia and went ahead and burnt down 18 houses belonging to members of the PDP in Jato-Aka. This was accordingly reported to the Commissioner of Police through my Security Officer, Mr. Cornelius Kor.

This singular act ushered in militia activities in the Local Government Area. At this moment, Tersugh Yachiga and John Akeprashi joined together and took over the local government with militia activities, such as harassment, disturbing, killing and destruction of properties. Examples are: (a) The following houses were burnt down;

1. Ashongo house, Chief Ason Bur house, Amokaha House, Chief Ashar Igungu house, Terkula Pever hotel, Helen Agbem restaurant, John Pever house, Chief D.I Chula house, Sughnen house and others in Adikpo town in the year 2003. The above destructions were perpetrated by John Akperashi (a comprehensive report to this effect was written to the Commissioner of Police/Govt of Benue state in 2003 by Chief Ason Bur/Ashongo and others);

2. Mr. Jonathan I. Ichaver was abducted by John Akperashi led militia;

3. Militia/ANPP thugs attacked Army who were on election duty and the result was the killing of about nine (9) persons by the Army;

4. Militia killed seven (7) persons namely; Iorshe Nyam, Mr. Igba, Omotopho and others at the PDP Secretariat Adikpo;

5. Ter Kwande II HRH James Adzape’s house was burnt down and the INEC office in Adikpo was also burnt down by Tersugh Yachiga and John Akperashi led militia;

6. The following people’s houses were also burnt down by Tersugh Yachiga and John Akperashi led militia: (a) Philip Igba, Mswuan Ikyor, Chairlady, Gbaior Atser, Orya Korinjo and others in Jato-Aka

All the above activities were carried out by the militia during my tenure, my house was burnt down at the time I had everything at my disposal (power and money) but I did not hire or recruit thugs/militia to destroy any property in the local government. Can anyone of you mention any instance where Ashongo’s militia/thugs killed, destroyed or burnt down any house in Adikpo or Jato-Aka, from 30th May, 2002 to 8th Aug, 2003?

This was the time His Excellency, Dr. George Akume was looking for re-election, he (Akume) did not sponsor any militia for his re-election, how can he then have sponsored militia in Kwande local government after he (Akume) had won his election?

THE ORIGIN OF MILITIA LED BY AKPUTU AND COL. KWEMBE (RTD.)-PDP 2004-2011

In the same vein, Terlumun Akputu and Col. Kwembe (Rtd) had a very tall ambition for the chairman and senate respectively and they felt that if they allow Yachiga and Akperashi to continue with their militia activities, they will not achieve their aims, therefore they decided to team-up and hire /recruit militia and camped them in Col. Kwembe’s house in Mbawer. When this was happening, Dr. George Akume was in Germany for treatment. On Adikpo Market day, when myself and other PDP stakeholders were holding a meeting at Banquette Hall of Benue Hotel Makurdi, Akputu and Kwembe’s militia invaded Adikpo town and killed Mr. Asham Peter. When the news got to us, we were all surprised until when I got home and asked Akputu and Kwembe, they told me that they were the ones who brought the militia.

This action did not go down with Barr. V.T Uji, Hon. Charles Mary Avul, Chief Emmanuel Viashima, Hon. Imoter Nungwa and my humble self, we went straight to Shangev-ya and held a meeting, dissociating ourselves from that militia activity and discouraged PDP youth not to be part of that militia.

Akputu and Kwembe militia destroyed the following houses belonging to the following persons namely;

1. Mr. Yaakwan house (led to his death), Asham Peter house (led to his death), Iyulun Hotel(led to his death), Col. Viashima house, VIP Guest House (led to Mbaparev’s death), Tsavnande Tarnongo Nite Club/Film Hall and others in Adikpo;

2. Unongo village, Tse-Kwaghginse was completely burnt down;

3. Juladaco Hotel in Jato-Aka was completely burnt down;

4. Tersugh Yachiga house was burnt down.

These are the people the society respect today, upon all the above destruction, Terlumun Akputu is “The Asor Tar U Kwande”, while Col. Kwembe is “Ivaan Ayange I- Kwande” and John Akperashi is “Ikpamkor I Kwande” which were given to them by late Ter Kwande II and Kwande Traditional Council. In recognition of “The Destruction of Kwande Land”

This is our society today. Those of you who wrote negatively about me, what can you write about the above mentioned names? Why can’t you tell Akputu to use his militia to force Suswam to produce his certificate? The slogan “I Gbor Iwa (Ibo) Anyi” brought peace and progress.

MY APOLOGY TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF KWANDE, DR. (SEN.) GEORGE AKUME (SENATE MINORITY LEADER) AND THE PUBLIC

I want to sincerely, from the bottom of my heart apologise to Sen. (Dr.) George Akume that I personally took Terlumun Akputu to Dr. (Sen) George Akume to convert Akputu’s dismissal from Benue state government to retirement, which he did. I am very sorry sir.

I also want to say that when Terlumun Akputu was looking for chairmanship, Late Chief Asom Bur (may his soul rest in perfect peace Amen), J.I Ichaver, Barr. V.T Uji, Charles-Mary Avul, Amokaha Adikpo, Orya Korinjo, Emmanuel Viashima, Imoter Nungwa and all the members of PDP Kwande Chapter rejected him (Akputu). I personally convinced them to accept Akputu and they finally did. I did not stop at that, my political father and mentor, Wantaregh Paul Unongo sponsored Hon. Bem Tseen for chairmanship under PDP and during the PDP primaries, I personally worked against Unongo and gave to Akputu 67 delegates which earned him victory over Bem Tseen. I want to apologise to Hon. Bem Tseen, Wantaregh Paul Unongo and to the people of Kwande, especially the Holy Trinity Parish, Dagba, that I thought that Terlumun Akputu will be a change person. Please, forgive me.

I demand an answer to the following questions by the public/Akputu:

1. You said Dr. (Sen) George Akume destroyed Kwande in 2004 using militia after he had won his election in 2003:

2. Questions: (a) Why didn’t Akume use militia in Kwande when he was seeking for his re-election in 2003?

(b) If Akume was the financier of the militia in Kwande at that time, who is then financing the militia in Kwande today?

(c) Tell me why Akume’s militia will destroy a billboard belonging to Prof. Steve Ugba and also disrupted a thanksgiving Mass organised by Holy Trinity Parish, Dagba for himself (Akume) and Prof. Steve Ugba;

(d) Tell me where, when and why I Hon. Azua Avough Ashongo used the slogan “I Gbor Iwa Anyi” to destroy, kill and burn down houses in Kwande Local Government as a whole? From 30th May, 2002 – 8th Aug., 2003

(e) Tell me any instance and probably mention names of militia or thugs I had used to destroy Kwande Local Government. This covered the period from the day I joined active politics till-date that is, from 1989 to 2011.

(g) Tell me the reasons why Dr. G.T Suswam is very close to the following persons: Akputu (who was unable to cast his vote for him during April poll), Akperashi, B.I Kwembe, (Rtd) and Yachiga.

(h) Tell me why Suswam should continue as governor when he has no certificate to show.

(i) Tell me why Suswam has approved a N200, 000, 000.00 loan for the completion of a secretariat instead of releasing the money for VAT of N592, 243, 077.09, meant for projects. Source: Fed. Min. of Finance, Abuja.

(j) Who rehabilitated the road from Adikpo to Jato-Aka. Is it Kwande L.G or Benue state govt? If it is Benue state govt, what has happened to our VAT, Excess Crude and Statutory allocation of N5, 218, 831, 215.35 accrued to Kwande L.G from 2008-2010, when 4 months staff salary is still owed the staff of the L.G? (take it that N3, 000, 000, 000.00 is for staff salary for 3 years, which is not in this case, then what about N2, 218, 831, 215.35). Source: Fed. Min. of Finance, Abuja.

(k) Tell me why the people of Kwande should give their support to Suswam more than Akume;

(l) Akputu: Tell me why you hate Dr. Akume who had prepared you for the chairman by converting your dismissal to retirement, appointed you Secretary to Kwande L.G.C and directing J.I Ichaver. V.T Uji, Charles-Mary Avul, Emmanuel Viashima, Imoter Nungwa, Ashongo and others to make sure that you won the L.G Chairmanship election. Haba! Are you insane? There is a Psychiatric Unit in Mkd.

If answers to the above questions are not provided by you (mischief makers and detractors), who wrote negatively against me on ATE-U-TIV, I therefore demand an apology from you.



MY ADVICE TO MEMBERS OF ATE-U-TIV, MEDIA AND THE NATION

May I advice that any information you are posting on the Ate-U-Tiv should be first-hand information to avoid miscarriage of information.

May I use this opportunity to advise the “Tiv Nation” and Nigeria as a whole. There are two words that have destroyed the “Tiv Nation and Nigeria at large. And the words are “Money”, and “Power”. ‘Money’ and “Power” has eaten deeply into our hearts, and with Money and Power in Tiv land and Nigeria as a whole you can kill, destroy, Rig elections, disrupt church activities, turn traditional rulers as your own wives, with money and power, you can shout down the almighty “Arewa Consultative Forum” and separate the whole north, all former presidents/elders will be come your boys, you can even tie Tiv and Nigeria at large with a tiny thread and pull them to any direction without any hindrance because almost every Nigerian wants to become a millionaire by all cost at the expense of others. You may not have respect for the constitution of Nigeria request for the transfer of commissioner of police, DPO and Judges and you cannot even show your certificate and nothing will be done. If not money, power and rigging, who in Benue State will vote Chief B.I. Gemade and Hon. David Mark as Senators over Chief Akaagerger J.I. (Phd) and Chief Lawrence Onoja? And above all G. T Suswam over Prof. Ugba? The answer is “No”

If really we want the Tiv Nation and Nigeria as a whole to be the “Tiv Nation” and “Nigeria” we use to know, we “Must” remove the word “Money” and “Power” and replace it with the word “Truth”. If the word “Truth” is been taken the place of “Money” and “Power”. In our hearts and become deepen, then “Truth” can do the following for Tiv and Nigeria at large.

1. No giving and no accepting of bribe

2. No corruption

3. All security Agents will do their jobs correctly

4. No Rigging of elections (Prof. A. Jiga, you will have nothing to be worried about).

5. You will show certificate when ask to do so.

6. There will dividends of democracy.

7. The right thing will be done.

8. Court will hear forgery cases and give verdict.

9. There will be employment.

10. There will be no need for the removal of “fuel subsidy”. The question is: what would be the effect of this removal of fuel subsidy on a common man? Is the little money we have, being channelled properly? If the answer is “No”, then how are we sure that the money from the fuel subsidy will be channelled properly?

11. There will be no need to fight Boko Haram and others with the sum of N10 Billion gadgets, because, as it is now, those gadgets are not going to take actions themselves, is the same Nigerians who will use them. With the word ‘TRUTH’ dismiss 10-50 police men and women who are found wanting or accepting bribe. Then the security issue will be a ‘thing of the past. To me, I view it as a way/avenue of routing/chopping our N10 b.

12. Above all, there will be “Love” for one another.

How can you “Re-Brand” Nigeria with the word money and power deeply in our hearts. This will be like, you put on ‘Baban Riga’ (agbada) but inside you did not wear a pant. If you seat down, someone can see your private part. And our inside “must” be the ‘Truth”, then Nigeria will wear a new face. On this note, let me salute the courage of the following distinguished Nigerians who have embraced and “Re-brand” Nigeria with the word “Truth”.

1. Dr. (Sen) George Akume (Senate Minority Leader) who stood firm and defended democracy (third term)

2. Dr. (Sen) Iorchia Ayu (former senate president) who refused to accept the seat of President. (June 12) can any senate President do this today?

3. Hon. Salisu Buhari (Former Speaker House of Reps Abuja) who voluntarily resigned on the issue of forgery. Can any Governor do this today?

4. Prof. A Jiga (INEC) Abuja, Has done a free fair and credible elections.

5. Barr. Farida Mzamber Waziri (former EFCC chairman) we know, you stood for the “Truth”.

6. Dahiru Musdapher (CJN); The Judicial is the only ‘Hope’ for a common man and you have proved to all Nigerians that, that is true.

That all election petitions and other legal cases be determined on merits and quickly too. God will bless all of you Amen. And as for me, I would rather die for telling the truth than to live to tell a lie.

On the other hand, the following self seeking politicians have ‘Re-Brand” Nigeria with the words “Money” and “Power”.

Namely:

1. Rt. Hon. (Sen) David Mark (Senate President) Third term. Yes! Yar-Adua is sick, Swear in New President. Yes! 8 years as a senator plus 4½ years as a president of the senate, No federal project in Benue state. Jonathan must stay” as against PDP zoning. Yes!, Removal of fuel subsidy, Yes!

2. Chief (Sen) B.I Gemade (Former CNC National Chairman). Was a co-ordinator for a Presidential candidate of UNCP. “Abacha Must Stay” As a former minister, former National Chairman CNC and Former PDP National Chairman, What do you have to show, if you are for the people. “Jonathan must stay” as against PDP zoning Yes! Removal of fuel subsidy. Yes! Military Invasion of Zaki-Biam, Excellence, “Tiv mba ze iyol yum”

3. Rt. Hon. (Dr). Gabriel T. Suswam (Executive Governor of Benue State). Show your certificate, Hired five SAN “I will not show” – See the case of Buhari. “Jonathan must stay” as against PDP zoning Yes! Removal of fuel subsidy Yes! Can not show certificate, but desperate for power,

Certificate forgery (Kharki’s case) 21 adjournments and 3 transfers, for a period of 9 months. Even if you kill me I will not show. This reminds me of President Obasanjo warning to people of Benue State that you are moving a small thief to a bigger thief.

4. Traditional Rulers (Benue state): All of them have joined politics. If a chairman of a local government disrupt church activities no reaction from the traditional rulers.

If you are not self seeking Politicians/Traditional Rulers or not looking for money for yourselves and families or desperate for power, when are you going to say “No” to a situation or speak for the good of your people? The Truth is always bitter but must be told. If you want to kill me, you are free to do so I will go to Heaven.

You detractors, are you not aware of the above characters? What did you do? Tell me, these are the people you worship. Is this how we will re-brand Nigeria? Let me reiterate that if we are fully committed to changing / Re-brand Nigeria for the better we must take the issue of Truth as a policy at the back of our minds to make vision 2020 a reality. Nigeria has more than enough, only greed is destroying this country called Nigeria.



On the issue of security in Nigeria, the NTA and Radio announcement make no meaning to me, because, if you report to the police, who will do the arrest. Let me give you some examples:

(a) Benue State Security Council has declared Tersugh Yachiga “WANTED” in 2004 and the man is living in Jato-Aka where there is a police station. No arrest till date.

(b) Cases of political violence has been reported severally to the police against Terlumun Akputu especially the recent one at Dagba. No arrest made.

(c) Terlumun Akputu has camped militia in his residence Tse-Akputu in Adikpo for all these year and all DPOs, SSS, Police, other security Agents, Traditional rulers and the public knows. Report has been made no arrest.

(d) Late Charles Ayede, was brutally murder by some armed men around Lafia – Makurdi road, I personally reported to the police headquarters Makurdi and demanded for some police to accompany me to remove the dead body which they (police) refused and the next day went and arrested Charles Ayede’s 14 year old young brother and detained in the police Head Quarters Abuja. No arrest of the culprits has been made till date. With this at the back of my mind, I will not report to the police because if I do nothing will happen to the person rather the person will use his or her money to arrest or kill me and nothing will happen. Do you mean, police, SSS, and other security agents do not know the bad people? Are they living in Heaven? Are they not passing on our roads? Are police not on the road blocks? Are they not our neighbours? Are police, SSS, and other security agents not our neighbours? Please and please, Nigerians, let us stop deceiving ourselves and leave the issue of “Money” and “Re-Brand” Nigeria with the word “Truth” in our Hearts. Then Nigeria will become “One Nation” We have more than enough in this country call Nigeria.





Finally, I want to advice the good people of Nigeria that, if really we want a change in Nigeria, we must ignore the issue of accepting money during elections and elect in honest and credible candidates in all elections.

SUGGESTIONS

To end the militia activities in Kwande Local Government, you must catch the bull by the horns. Four (4) persons are keeping militia in Kwande Local Government and the police, other security agencies and the entire Kwande community know them. They are: Chief Terlumun Akputu, Chief John Akperashi, Hon. Tersugh Yachiga and Col. Basil Kwembe (Rtd).

1. The Commissioner of Police should investigate the above assertion and if they are found wanting, they should be brought to justice so as to ensure peace and progress of Kwande.

2. The Kwande Traditional Council in conjunction with the elders should call a meeting and invite the following persons namely: Terlumun Akputu, Col. B.A Kwembe (Rtd), John Akperashi and Tersugh Yachiga. And in the meeting resolve as follows:

a) Direct them to disarm and disband militia in the local government, because there is a saying in Tiv Language which says ‘Ka Or Unan Dzer Dwem La Tser Na Fe U Saan Dwem Ye”.

b) Re-trieve and re-confer the following chieftaincy titles to them as follows:

i. Chief Terlumun Akputu (JP) Asor-Tar-U-Kwande be confer with “Agba Tar u Kwande” In recognition for destroying, Yaakwan House (which led to his death) Asham house, (which led to his death) Unongo Village, Juladaco Hotel, Iyulun Hotel (which led to his death) Disrupting church activities and camping of militia.

AWARDS

· The best destruction chairman in North Central Nigeria;

· The first chairman to be suspended twice since the creation of the local government in 1976;

· A chairman that re-awarded a secretariat which was 90% completed at the cost of N149, 000,000.00 - an amount which doubles the original cost of the project.

· The best promoter of violence/marijuana smokers in Kwande L.G;

· The first non-indigenes to destroy Kwande Local Govt.

Any person comprehensible in the Local Govt. can attest to this fact. This is what he merits, not monetary awards he claims he has.

ii. Chief John Akperashi, “Ikpamkor I Kwande” be confer with “Anande-Tar-U-Kwande” In recognition for the burning of Chief Asom Bur house, Ashongo house, Chief Ashar Igungu house (which led to his death), Sughnen Idyo house, Chief D.I Chula house, Terkula Pever house, John Pever house, Helen Agbam and others. A comprehensive report to this effect was written to the Commissioner of Police in 2003.

iii. Chief B.A Kwembe, “Ivaan-Ayange-I-Kwande” be confer with “Ikpuugh-Ivaan-I-Kwande” for not advising the above named persons and for associating himself with militia.

iv. Chief Tersugh Yachiga- Be confer with “KUR-U-TYA-U- Kwande”. In recognition for being the first person who introduced militia activities in Kwande and for destroying and killing of the followings:- Hon Orya Korinjo house, Philip Igba House, Gbaior Atser house, Mswuan Ikyor house (which led to his death), Chairlady house, and other houses and for the killing of Pa Orya Korinjo, Iorshe Nyam, Omotopho, Igba, five Akende’s militia and four others. This called for the Benue State Security Council to declared him (Tersugh) WANTED in 2004.

v. Rt. Hon. (Dr.) G.T Suswam, executive governor, Benue state be confer with “Hur-Or-U-Wasen-Tar-Gbaan-U-Kwande” in recognition for:

· Approving a loan of N200, 000, 000.00 instead of giving to Kwande the VAT money meant for the projects;

· Using Yachga’s militia to destroy a bridge leading to Unongo’s village on the eve of the April elections;

· For appointing Akputu as a permanent care-taker chairman of Kwande L.G.C, despite been suspended twice by the BSHA and against the wishes of the people.

· For not relieving Akputu of his duty despite the destruction he (Akputu) has done to the community of Holy Trinity Parish, Dagba, rather praising him for a job wel-done.



I know as a fact, they will not do it but let this be on record, who knows, God willing, I will do it. Prior to the conferment of Chieftaincy Titles on the above persons, on 19th Sept 2009, the following persons (as listed below) protested to HRH James Adzape: Mr. J.I Ichaver, V.I. Uji, Charles – Mary Avul, Imoter Nungwa and my humble self and the Ter Kwande and the committee told us that they want to do that so that they (Akputu & Co.) will become reasonable in the society and also change their character. My question to them (Traditional Rulers) is that: Have these people changed? The answer is NO, then the above suggestions stands.

3. If anything happens to me and any member of my family after this publication, the following persons should be believed to be responsible. They are: Chief Terlumun Akputu, Chief John Akperashi, Col. Basil Kwembe (Rtd), Hon. Tersugh Yachiga, G.T. Suswam, Sen. Mark, Chief Gemade, (or their agents) among others. This is because they abducted Uhondo’s son when he published document of this nature.

In conclusion, I want to appeal and advise Dr. (Sen) George Akume that myself and the good people of Kwande are solidly behind you as shown during April, 2011 polls. Dr. (Sen.) George Akume you have done so much to Kwande Local Govt. In terms of human development & physical development you constructed and tarred a road from Adikpo – Iyon, Moon people were no longer in Benue State or Taraba state for more than five years but you brought them back to Benue and re-instated all the District and Clan Heads, staff of primary school re-instated, Terlumun Akptu’s dismissal converted to retirement and also gave ten chances to Moon people to be employed into Benue State Civil Service. Moon and the good people of Kwande needs to worship you like our small god of Kwande not to call you other names. I know as a fact that if you wanted to destroy Kwande, you would have done it through me during my tenure, from 30th may 2002 to 8th August 2003, but no single house of ANPP was destroyed or burnt down. This shows that you have no hands in the destruction done to Kwande Local Govt. If anyone says, Akume or I are the ones, he or she should mention the person’s name, the time of the destruction, apart from the destruction done by Akputu. But here we are worshiping a person who has patched/rehabilitated road from Adikpo to Jato-Aka without any new single culvert being constructed on that road and also someone who refused to give to Kwande Local Government, money that is meant for projects (VAT money), but rather approved a loan of Two Hundred Million (N200, 000, 000.00) for the completion of secretariat. Where is the VAT Money of N592, 243,077.09 due to Kwande Local Government? Source: Fed. Min. of Finance. Did Dr. Akume approve any loan to Kwande before that road from Adikpo to Iyon was constructed?

You should not consider the events at Holy Trinity Parish, Dagba and continue to show love and care to the good people of Kwande local government.

That the whole “Good People” of the Tiv nation and Nigeria in general are looking forward onto you and you should not look back because of the detractors and self seeking politicians who are bent on smearing the long earned good name or destroying your political career. God will not allow them to do so. Amen. Backward Never, Forward-Forward-Ever!

I want to thank the Good People of Tondov Ward, Shangev-ya, Kwande and the public in general for the support and confidence as well as the trust they have in me as a person to stand by me in all situations, especially during elections. I have no money yet the good people of Tondov and Kwande at large still throw their weight behind me. This I appreciate and will continue to appreciate. I also pray that God will bless you. Amen.

Finally, anybody who has any information about me and published or wishes to publish same for the public consumption should please, endeavour to ascertain it is first-hand information, be precise and constructive too.

Thank you.



Hon. Azua Avough Ashongo (JP)

(Former Chairman, Kwande LG Council/ Former PDP State Treasurer)

07065419950, 08077728028

TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY KWANDE PEOPLE PRESENTED BY PROFFERSOR JA SAMBE ON BEHALF OF THE KWANDE PEOPLE OF BENUE STATE ON SOME ISSUES AFFECTING THE GOOD PEOPLE OF KWANDE HELD AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTRE, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, 26TH MAY, 2011-06-16

Distinguished members of the press.

Shortly after the recently concluded April, 2011 general elections, adjudged by both local and international observers to be most credible and fair, some politicians of Benue State origin including Wantaregh Paul Unongo and the defeated ACN governorship candidate Prof. Steve Ugbah embarked on a sustained dissemination of information aimed at causing confusion, disaffection, insecurity and casting aspersions on the person and office of the elected Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam.

This campaign of calumny was also intended to ridicule and desecrate the sanctity of the stool of the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, High Royal Majesty, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula as well as create doubt in the minds of unsuspecting members of the public regarding the integrity and credibility of the April, 2011 polls.

Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the political and security implications of the utterance as to its effect on the people of Kwande and indeed the entirety of Benue State and its negative impact on our core values as a people, we proceed under the aegis of the Kwande People, (KP), a strong and growing coalition of illustrious sons and daughters of Kwande origin cutting the academia, politics, civil service, commerce, opinion leaders and other credible personalities from all works of life to review, comment and indeed to address the press on the following issues:

 Tragic Killing of Mr. Charles Ayede and matter arising.

Members of the press, you will recall the tragic and unfortunate killing of the late Charles Ayede, a former staff of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Abuja, and members of the ACN gubernatorial campaign team. This sad event reportedly occurred along Lafia-Makurdi road on the 13^th of May, 2011. The late Ayede was until his untimely death, a well respected indigene of Kwande Local Government Area from Ishangev-ya district. He was a distinguished gentleman of amiable personality, known for his generosity and philanthropic disposition.

Mr. Ayede’s tragic death was therefore, shocking, sad and a big loss to the people of Kwande Local Government Area and the entire Benue State.

Regrettably while the people of Kwande were grief stricken over the death of our illustrious son, we were alarmed by the unfortunate and embarrassing reaction of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, also a son of the soil, before now, chairman, PDP caucus, Kwande Local Government Area, and that of his nephew, the defeated ACN candidate, Prof. Steve Ugbah, regarding the killing of Mr. Ayede as a calculated plan.

In two separate press statements, Wantaregh Paul Unongo and Prof. Ugbah made unequivocal statements to the effect that His Excellency, Dr. Gabriel Suswam was responsible for the killing of Mr. Charles Ayede. First, Professor Ugbah in his press statement of 14^th April, averred that:

“We know the sponsors of this attack. We also know their objective. The Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, will have a difficult task extricating himself from direct blame for the murder of Mr. Charles Ayede. The objective of this murder and the threat the attack directly posed to me as the main contender in the Benue State Governorship Election of April 26^th, 2011 which we are disputing, is clear. Governor Gabriel Suswam and his henchmen believe that by eliminating key authentic custodians of the stolen mandate, he will get away with the fraud. They are dead wrong... The whole country knows that the ACN won the just concluded elections in Benue State. Governor Suswam, the PDP and the INEC conspired and continue to manipulate the figures to declare Suswam as the winner. We have consistently appealed for calm by our supporters. Dr. Suswam the Chief Security Officer should be held responsible for any reaction to the murders he has carried out or is planning to carry out. As responsible leaders, we shall continue to appeal to our followers to remain calm. But there is a limit for everything. Enough is enough. I cannot guarantee that I can restrain our teeming supporters any further”.

What is most glaring from the above quoted statement of Professor Steve Ugbah is its recriminatory stance and hostile tone adopted. Such a statement apart from being inimical and prejudicial to police investigation into this killing was couched in a language unexpected of a person aspiring for the office of the governor of Benue State.

Furthermore, in all the issues raised by Professor Ugbah ranging from the question of who was behind the killing of the late Charles Ayede or who won the April 26^th Governorship Election in the state, Professor Ugbah alone constitutes the accuser, the prosecutor and judge returning a guilty verdict against HE Governor Suswam over the death of Mr. Ayede and guilty/complacency verdict against INEC and HE Dr. Suswam regarding his loss at the election.

What is even more worrisome is the likelihood of these statements to trigger violence, mayhem, hatred, and animosity in our land. It is on record that a day after the press conference was hold a group of irate ACN supporters in Ishangev-ya, apparently incited by the statement of Professor Ugbah, burnt down houses  of PDP members in Ishangev-ya district of Kwande Local Government including the houses of one Torkwase Malu. This incident is already receiving police attention and will not be addressed here.

We however, wish to use this medium to call on the defeated ACN governorship candidate, Professor Steve Ugbah, and his entire supporters and leaders of ACN to allow peace to reign in Kwande and indeed the state. The Kwande people love peace and wish to stress that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the police can unravel those behind killing of the late Ayede. Professor Ugbah is also enjoined by the Kwande people to take his grievances regarding the conduct of the April 26^th 2011 elections to the election tribunal and desist from acts capable of a breach of the peace or act that would portray him as a man in pursuit of self-interest instead of the interest of the people of Benue State he desires to govern.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a biblical injunction that we all should submit to constituted authority irrespective of how they emerge. Romans chapter 13:1-6 says in part:

            “Everyone must submit himself to governing authority, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.

            Professor Ugbah and his supporters should read this scripture and ponder on it so that the will of God will prevail in their lives.

Finally, as a man determined to be Governor of Benue State, common sense demands that he treats such office and its present occupant with some modicum of respect.

Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s Remarks on the April 26^th Governorship Election, death of Mr. Charles Ayede and other issues.

Gentlemen of the press.

You will again recall the recent utterances of Wantaregh Paul Unongo regarding the credibility of the April polls, the death of Mr. Charles Ayede, and his verbal attacks on constituted authorities including the person of HE Dr. Gabriel Suswam and His Royal Majesty, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation.

In a press statement dated May 16, 2011, and published in The Alternative newspaper of May 25^th, 2011, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, before now a self-confessed chieftain of the PDP stated amongst others that:

“We must not allow young men who have enjoyed life and who are put in power by us. Instead of developing us they have perfected on the goriest, the most barbaric way of killing their own younger people like them who want to seek to also be given a chance to rule. ACN won the fucking election, they won it. They won the election. I’m PDP, we lost. And it’s not a matter of life and death. Those who are killing people they don’t represent all of us that are in PDP... I told ACN members they were making noise rushing around my house telling me that they have won election before they started. I said well, you don’t know what we in PDP will do. I said you go ahead and win the election we shall seize the thing and we’ll go and announce ourselves... I am alive; they have a monkey, a thief, a rogue... is that the action of a Tor Tiv to go and lock yourself up and be thumb printing and dumping papers somewhere? Alfred Torkula is not fit to remain as Tor Tiv at all. Alfred Torkula should hide himself in shame and resign rather than pretending that he is the Tor Tiv. The Tiv people don’t have Tor Tiv now. Alfred Torkula is an active accomplice in all the murderous activities that are going on in Tiv land and I am ashamed of him”

At the risk of sounding repetitive, we make haste to say that the language and tone of Mr. Unongo’s press statement left much to be desired of an elder statement.

Ladies and gentlemen, the prevarifications and indiscretions of Wantaregh Paul Unongo as a Benue politician is well known to all of us. It is on record that during the 1993 general elections Wantaregh was in the fore front of the late M K O Abiola’s Presidential Campaign only to take a detour on the eve of the elections to support Alhaji Bashir Tofa who stood against M K O Abiola.

Indeed Paul Unongo, our son, has applied more than his 30 years of his sojourn in politics to fight every rising star in Tiv land. He fought the late J S Tarka, fought the late Aper Aku, fought the late Rev. Moses Adasu, fought George Akume, fought the late Akperan Orshi, Tor Tiv the third, and he is characteristically fighting Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam as well as the fourth Tor Tiv Orchivirgh Dr. Alfred Akawa Torkula. His anti-establishment stance in politics has translated into nothing other than underdevelopment of Kwande Local Government Area.

Without boring further with the many sides and nature of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, it suffices to say that since his entry into partisan politics in the early sixties, Mr. Unongo has distinguished himself as one politician whose word amounts to naught. He is one politician who romances with party A up to midnight only to wake up and marry party B in the early hours of the next morning to the chagrin of every decent person. Indeed when he joined the PDP in 2007 after decades of ignoble reign as an undisputed opposition leader of Benue politics, he was considered as an anti-establishment person camouflaging as a PDP loyalist. Let us recall that Wantaregh Paul Unongo has also in various newspaper interviews including the World Link newspaper of May, 2011, attested to the neutrality and impeccable qualities of the present INEC. His eleventh hour detour to cast aspersion on INEC and the credibility of its polls reflects his inconsistency on critical issues.

We also consider his remarks on the persons of the  Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawa Torkula and HE Dr. Gabriel Suswam most unfortunate.

The Kwande people disagree with the positions because they are absolutely at variance with our respect for the ultimate traditional institution of the Tiv people and ardently respect the success of His Excellency Dr. Gabriel Suswam at the 2011 polls.

He should allow peace to reign in our land and desist from acts capable of fanning the embers of discord and animosity between the PDP and ACN. We recall that election in Kwande LG were peaceful as such Wantaregh should encourage peaceful co-existence rather than utterance capable of generating tension among our people.

It is also  our appeal to Wantaregh Unongo to imbibe decorum in his future interactions with the media. We consider expressions such as ‘fucking election, thief, rogue, monkey,’ etc, emanating from Unongo’s press statement unbecoming of an elder statesman.

Finally, Ladies and gentlemen, the Kwande people cannot afford to make Kwande the theatre of rancor and skirmishes. We fervently desire peace, stability and concord among ourselves and the entire people of Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We do not hesitate to without doubts to restate our commitment and support to the government of Benue State because we have seen and know the good works of His Excellency the Governor.

If we can without delay mention but a few, the first road completed in the state by Suswam administration is the Adikpo-Ikyogen-Jato-Aka road which leads into Wantaregh’s house.

The comprehensive renovation of General Hospital Adikpo as well as grants given to the local government council to put up a two-storey secretariat also readily comes to mind.

Many of our muddy streets in towns across the state are now tarred while many other projects are being executed.

We wish His Excellency, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, greater success in steering the ship of Benue State in his second governance. In addition the Kwande people wish to call on all leaders of opposition parties and others who lost in the April 2011 general elections to take advantage of the hand of fellowship extended to them by HE Dr. Gabriel Suswam, so that together we can move Benue State to greater height.

Long live Kwande Local Government Area!

Long live Benue State!!       

Long live Nigeria!!!

God bless you all!!!!

OMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP ON PEACE NETWORK FORMATION UNDER THE PROJECT, “CONNECTING THE DISCONNECT FOR PEACE BUILDING AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTES RESOLUTION (ADR) IN NIGERIA’S MIDDLE BELT REGION HELD AT THE GREENBELT HOTEL MAKURDI, BENUE STATE ON THE 8TH AND 9TH JUNE 2011.

Preamble

The training workshop organised by Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Abuja; drew participants from conflict prone communities of Adamawa, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Taraba States.

Participants applauded European Union and WEP for packaging such an elaborate workshop and finding them worthy for the high level integration into the peace building and conflict resolution process of their programmes.

The workshop further examined the issues related to formation, sustenance and maintenance of a network for peace building in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria and also addressed the roles of youth and women in leadership. The workshop reviewed the concept of Advocacy, Lobbying for peace networks and a follow up action plan was formulated with recommended leaders. The underlisted were chosen across the five (5) states to form a Steering Committee for the activities of the peace network in the Middle Belt Region.

1.      Abigail Markus

2.      Ocheme Douglas

3.      Dehida Denis

4.      Haruna Salisu

5.      Juliana K Katso

6.      Laban Yiteso

7.      Kachi Douglas

8.      Abdullahi M Isah

9.      Chuwang N Sombot

10.  Alexander Ada Oya

11.  Kuti M G

12.  Akpoo Hannah  M

13.  Chundung M Pam

After exhaustive deliberations, the two day workshop came up with the following resolutions;

1.      The workshop in session resolved to form peace networks in the Middle Belt Region as a measure of intervening in conflicts within the region.

2.      The workshop called on participants from the various states to build and sustain Networks and coalition within their respective communities and organisation for effective intervention.

3.      Participants having identified the essence of Networking in peace building, agreed to maintain contacts that were established during the training across the participating states.

4.      The participants resolved to henceforth use Advocacy and Lobbying skills as a decision making process for addressing issues that affect their communities.

5.      The workshop in session encouraged gender mainstreaming in peace building processes.

6.      The workshop noted the overriding important roles of leadership in conflict transformation and resolution. Consequently, participants encouraged leaders to exhibit leadership qualities that would promote and protect the human dignity.

Communiqué Drafting Committee

Jemima A. Lazarus     -           Chairman

Nick Ahor                   -           Member

Chris Ochepa              -           Member

Chief Michael Agbese            -           Member

Dahida Dennis                        -Member

Umar Samda Abdullahi         -Member

Iorliam Shija               -           Member/Secretary

KWANDER SOURCE NEWS IS AN EXCELLENT NEWSPAPER- GOCHIN

Prince A B , Gochin an English Teacher at ACC Adikpo has commended the publishers of KSN, calling it an “excellent newspaper”. Prince Gochin made this declaration in the letter he addressed to the Publishers of Kwande Source News.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate and thank the publishers, Editor –in-Chief of KSN and their esteemed team”, he wrote

“The Newspaper(KSN) actually meets the requirements and standards of the print journalism of informing ,educating and entertaining the public. Your honesty, bravery and reportage style is unequalled.”

“I have been a keen reader of your excellent newspaper- The KSN. This is a very humble but gigantic beginning.”  

He congratulated KSN for organising Spelling Competition for Nursery and Primary Schools on the last Children’s Day.

He observed it was unbiased, claiming KSN lived above board.

“I shall give you some points I have observed in your activities for improvement in subsequent years. I shall do that in writing, and submit it to you in two weeks time. Accept my warm congratulations for a worthwhile job. Keep it up. Thank you.”Gochin wrote.

“Iam tired of this world”,

A 26 year old boy in Mbarumun, Nanev, Kwande Local Government who hanged himself on a mango tree left in a note that he was tired of this world.

The boy identified as Kwaghkule Kelvin Iorpinen killed himself, according to his friends because of the general lack that surrounded him. “He complained of farmland, his education and bad luck among other things”, one of his friend told KSN

In two suicide notes he left he left behind, one on his table and another in his pocket, Kwaghkule wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, Iam tired of this world”

Family sources revealed to KSN that, Kwaghkule was an introvert and rarely discloced his challenges.

His closest friend, Celestine Terfa Apine told KSN that the suicide victim had told him on several occasions that he would one day commit suicide but he never took him serious.

Others believe that, the boy carried the suicide under demonic influence.

KUDA, Kwande Branch Gets New Exco

Kunav  youth Development Association, Kwande Branch has elected new officials for a four year term.

The elections which were held 4^th   July, 2011 were under the supervision of Mr Saawuan Asobo and Micheal Aya.

At the end of the the election, the following officials who were in the outgoing exco retained their positions.Abojor Francis, President, Chian Kwaghgba, Vice President, Ule Augustine, Secretary,Aule Francis, Ass. Sec. And Chiahemba Jenkwe, PRO.

New entrants were, Aveuya Augustine, Financial Sec, Ludia Adeti,  Treasurer, Mwuese Chula, Director of Socials 1 and Mgule Erdoo, Director of Socials 2. The new exco has since assumed office

“Iam tired of this world”,

A 26 year old boy in Mbarumun, Nanev, Kwande Local Government who hanged himself on a mango tree left in a note that he was tired of this world.

The boy identified as Kwaghkule Kelvin Iorpinen killed himself, according to his friends because of the general lack that surrounded him. “He complained of farmland, his education and bad luck among other things”, one of his friend told KSN

In two suicide notes he left he left behind, one on his table and another in his pocket, Kwaghkule wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, Iam tired of this world”

Family sources revealed to KSN that, Kwaghkule was an introvert and rarely discloced his challenges.

His closest friend, Celestine Terfa Apine told KSN that the suicide victim had told him on several occasions that he would one day commit suicide but he never took him serious.

Others believe that, the boy carried the suicide under demonic influence.

As Prof. Tamen goes Home

A seasoned intellectual, an  academic don, a Psychologists and former Head of Department of Psychology at Benue State University, Prof. Iornongo Fred Tamen goes home 9^th July, 2011 at Tse Tamen Igbur, Adagi, Ikyurav, Kwande Local Govt. Benue State.

Prof. Tamen who was born on 20^th April, 1956, died June, 2011.

The most unfortunate thing about Prof Tamen’s death is the fact that his elevation to the Proffersorship: what as an academic, was a  lifelong dream, was caught short by death. He virtually did not live to ripe the benefits of the position he toiled and merited.

In an era when it appears there is general lack of sound academics, due to laxity and indolence at the Ivory Towers, the demise of a hard working personified, research oriented and confident lecturer like Prof Tamen is a big loss, not only to Tivland, but Nigeria and the world at large.

Prof Tamens death is a very big loss of unquantifiable magnitude yet, it is observed that as one who had studied the science of the mind, the professor knew to what extent it would be logical and appropriate to mourn over any loss.

It is stemmed from such psychological disposition that we call on the university community and all Benue People; especially from Ikyurav-ya, Kwande to take solace in the Lord.

REVELATIONS OF THE SHANGEV-YA POLITICAL IMBROGLIO

 

Recent political happenings in Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government came to international status, when Prof. Steve Ugbah, ACN gubernatorial candidate in the April polls was linked to it, arrested and charged to court. KSN did an investigation on the crisis.

            The political imbroglio which has its roots in the mass movement of many Shangev-ya people from PDP to ACN in January 2011 reached its climax when Mr. Charles Ayede, a prominent Shangev-ya son was brutally murdered. Prior to Ayede’s death, the main issue on ground was the allegation of Hon. B B Nungwa who is a member of Benue State House of Assembly (ACN Kwande West) that Hon. D.I Akpagher, PDP contestant for the Kwande West seat was planning to kill him.

He started petitioning Akpagher and other PDP members as early as March 2011, this was before the elections were conducted. In the first letter which was dated March 3, 2011, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Hon. B B identified those who were after him and others to include, “Chief Terlumun Akputu, Pastor Ayambo, Pastor Daniel Iorbee Akpagher, Pastor Moses Akem, Hon, Shina Baver, Philip Akume, Hon, Geoffrey Akula, Hon. Julius Jev”.

            He also petitioned the above to the Shangev-ya elders as it is reflected in petition addressed to the commissioner of police signed by Hon. B B Nungwa dated May 02, 2011, “it will interest you to hear that an attempt was made on Monday May 2^nd 2011, by four unknown person riding in an unregistered black jeep who wanted to trace my house and possibly do away with my life.”

            He stated further that, “four persons came to my office situated at No. 35A new Bridge Road near the new office of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in Makurdi at about 12:30 AM and insisted that my security guard on duty must show my Makurdi Residence. They hid under the pretext that they had entered into a business deal with me which they wanted to conclude by making the final payment to me in person”.

            Hon. Nungwa averred that, “my suspicion is still directed at those mentioned in my letter of March 3^rd 2011, as these are people that are after me with pastor Daniel Iorbee Akpegher as my principal suspect .”

             In yet another petition, dated 17^th May, 2011, Nungwa wrote to the commissioner of police that, “while awaiting your action on the reports, we further want to bring to your attention other clandestine activities being fueled by our political opponents to make sure that they implicate and nail us by all means as they continue with their murderous plans on  us.”

            “Following the incessant threats to our lives, we lodged a compliant to the elders (ityo) and traditional rulers of our community, Shangev-ya in Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State”. He stated in this petition which he jointly  signed with  Hon. Adzua Ashongo.

            The elders fixed the meeting on Saturday, 14^th May, 2011 at Koti, Shangev-ya, to work at the allegations, KSN learnt. Our investigation further revealed that it was the desire of Mr. Adaa Maagbe and late Charles Ayede to be at the meeting after the burial of Late Mrs. Mimi Alu, wife of Katsina-Alu, who was to be buried on the same day. But Ayede was killed far away in kardorko a day to the meeting.  Ayede’s death apart, the meeting was billed to hold. But a source at the meeting revealed that passions were very high at the meeting due to Ayede’s death and since the attendance was also poor, the meeting was rescheduled for the next day, 15^th May, 2011.

            On this fixed day, which was on Sunday, unknown to the chiefs and some of the PDP members, Governor Suswam was attending a mass in the country home of the Security Adviser, in Mbawer, Kwande Local Government. Divided between attending the rescheduled meeting at Koti and thanksgiving mass ;in the end, all the three District Heads of Tondov I, Tondov II and Mbakatsa shunned the meeting for the mass; also with the prominent sons and daughters of PDP extraction.

            The elders and mostly ACN members who turned up for the 15^th May meeting at Koti considered this a deliberate attempt to down play their plight. So with the elders, KSN learnt, they ostracised their chiefs and prominent sons from PDP who were invited but refused to come.

            The following morning as at 1:00 am, the round hut of the PDP woman leader (Mbaketsa), Mrs. Torkwase Malu was burnt down. In an interview with KSN in Ajio recently, Torkwase said, “since most of our people moved to ACN; some of us who opted to continue in PDP were virtually ostracised from the community life”- she told us that she could not walk freely without receiving insults from angry youths. So she had identified some of the youths who were found of insulting her, “some even said it was because of my business place, that is, my hut which was burnt, where I used to sell drinks, that I was feeling important and that, shortly I will have nothing to rely on.”

            Mrs Malu, who is reported to have injured a youngman and broke his head during the gubernatorial election, told KSN further that, “as the elders moved about to announce their resolution  at the koti meeting, I overhead Hon. Adzua Ashongo asking the youths why they hae not started burning down structures”

            So when she woke up and saw her hut in flames that morning, she had her suspicion. Later that morning she lodged her complain and four that  of those  ACN youths were arrested. These were Terwase Ashiekaa, Atime  Tersoo, Ortse  Cyprian and a 12 years old boy, Mteseer Akaachir. They were detained in Adikpo for some days. What looked like a reprisal from the PDP was carried out and the shops and chemist shops of Tersoo Atime and Cyprian Hono respectively, were affected. This incident was reported and 3 people PDP were linked to the  arson. These were Terkura Ahendaan (Dey There), Anweh Ajiva and Shanger. Veregh; only Ahendan was arrested; the others ran away.

            In a twist of issues, one of the suspects for arson against ACN store owner, Mr. Ajiva returned with police men and arrested more people indiscriminately.

            The villagers who spoke to KSN at Ajio said they were confused to see some one who shortly was on the run to come back with the police who where after him to arrest others. those arrested were Cyprian Hono, Godwin Agee, Hon. Iorfa Tsehe, Terlumun Sachia, Tertese Songo, Bem Gunji, Terhemen Yuazwa and Myima Wuese.

            Those were the people who were together with the ACN gubernatorial candidate for April 26^th 2011, Prof. Steve Ugbah, Adaa Maagba, Abua Yajir, on 24^th May, 2011 were charged to a magistrate court in Makurdi for, “criminal conspiracy, intimidation, rioting and mischief by fire.

            Unfortunately for Terkura Ahendan, a PDP youth, who is known as Dey There a card carrying member of PDP, his party has summarily joined a case against him with Ugbah.

            Speaking to us in Ajio, Dey There told us that, “my party elders in Makurdi has called me and promised me a lawyer who will fight my case”. When we asked what could be his case, he was at loss. He has not realized that in a rush, his party has instituted a case against him.

            Meanwhile, accusation and counter accusations are going on. The ACN members have accused Torkwase Malu for burning down her hut to get compensation. This position is supported by a petition signed by Hon. B B Nungwa and Adzua Ashongo.

These actions taken by the elders of Shangev-ya infuriated some of District Heads, daughters and sons ostracised at the meeting which occasioned these sons and daughters holding an emergency meeting at Adikpo in the house of one Mrs. Margaret Upev.     

            At the meeting, they argued it was resolved that “the women (sic) leader for Mbaketsa, Torkwase Malu should go and burn down her thatched round hut (Ate) where she sells food and drinks go ahead and implicate selected ACN members including Hon
BB Nungwa, Hon. Adzua Ashongo so that they would invite the police to get them arrested and prosecuted for arson, inciting disturbance and mischief. She would threafter be compensated”.

            They also alleged that  Hon.Wokaven Bver was also to do same. That while the later declined , “Mrs Torkwase Malu, True to their design at the meeting, went  aheard , burnt the hut and has now framed us by reporting to the police”

            Reacting to their allegation, Mrs. Malu said , “ how can I burn down my hut? Am I mad. It was the  ACN members who came and did it.

            In the suit against them  at Magistrate court holden in   Makurdi, Governor Suswam is arguing that all those activities were sparked up by Ugbah’s press conference on 14^th May, 2011, in Makurdi where Ugbah linked him  to the death of Mr. Charles Ayede.

  

WELCOME ADDRESS BY EDITOR IN CHIEF OF KSN, MR. IORLIAM’ AMO SHIJA ON THE OCCASSION OF THE 2011 CHILDREN’S DAY FIESTA. VENUE: ADIKPO COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE ADIKPO. DATE: 27TH MAY 2011.

Salutation,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the grand finale of the 2011 Children’s Day Fiesta. I appreciate the fact that  you at this event. As we are all aware, Children’s Day is a day designed  for the society to look at the general issues affecting the child. When we grew up in the late 80s and early 90s around this environment, Children’s Days were coordinated by the government and glamorously celebrated.

In those days, students of various schools were brought together and engaged in activities that would expose them to new education challenges and friends; also, their potentials were shown to the public glare, but government’s insensitive to these celebrations in recent times have affected  the joy and beauty that used to accompany the event. It is on this basis that Kwande Source News decided to reactivate the celebrations, expecting to re ignite the feelings that went with Children’s Day in the past.

We started this venture in 2009. In the Maiden edition, we engaged secondary schools in Debate, Quiz and Essay competitions. In last year’s edition, in addition to the above, we added Football and Spelling Competitions; the latter for the Nursery and Primary schools specifically. In line with our desire to explore every possible angles, 2011 edition was designed for only Nursery and primary schools and the three  events of the year are Football, Drama and Spelling Competitions.

We can’t claim organising an event of this magnitude has been easy because Kwande Source News is just 3 years in practice. But we feel it our collective responsibility to the children that should not be ignored. That is why we have been daring against all odds. Basically, I want to express that this is one of the reasons upon which Kwande Source News was established.

I will like to use this opportunity to say a word briefly on our genre of journalism, community media practice because so many people want us to expand and become what they call a BIGGER PAPER. Community journalism encourages journalists to address the basic values and principles of traditional journalism in light of democratisation, social change, and community empowerment initiatives. As such, community journalism is an extension, a maturing, of development communication efforts that began many decades ago to help nations grow and to assist in the rapid increase in the productivity of their IMMEDIATE society

Daniel Lerner (1958) found evidence that societies can change through the apparent influence of mass communication. Schramm (1964) further advocated the use of media because they had the ability to enhance development and social change. Citing three great communication tasks–as watchmen, as participants in the decision process, and as teachers–he said the media were able to: broaden horizons, focus attention and raise aspirations, create a climate for development, help change attitudes or valued practices, feed interpersonal channels, confer status, enforce social norms, and help form tastes .

The belief that radio, television, and newspapers could be used by the central government of a country to help build a nation is not only very important but also a misunderstood concept. Governments in developing countries interprete this to mean that they could take control of the media and that they would use their authority to tell the media what is important to tell the people. This top-down approach disenfranchises the people and the media. As a result, growth or change is temporary or non-existent in a centrally controlled media.

Nation building, through development communication, occurs as the result of people, not of government. No matter how much the government tells the media to develop people, if people don't want to develop, they don't–and nations don't develop. This is where the theory and the practice of development communication collide. The  Media are often used to support a government agenda instead of being used to create cooperative ventures, to support the people's agenda, or to integrate efforts into developing a community identity.

Improvements in literacy, health, poverty, education, religious thoughts and political awareness are all elements of nation building, of people building. While governments of developing countries acknowledge that these issues are important, it is probably the government’s heavy-handed control that  has caused the lack of media support of initiatives in developmental communication .

 But UNESCO, in their report on the New World Information and Communications Order (NWICO) about democratisation of the media indicate, that it is a matter of human rights, the right to communicate is an extension of the advances toward liberty and democracy. "Extension of these communication freedoms to a broader individual and collective right to communicate is an evolving principle in the democratization process" (UNESCO 215). Democratizing the media cannot be simply additional facilities. It means broader access to the media by the general public, "the free interchange of ideas, information and experience among equals, without dominance or discrimination" (UNESCO 216).

When the media is democratised, it serves the people and people then use the media to obtain the information they are interested in so that they can improve their daily lives and their community. In order for that to happen, the people must participate in determining the focus of the media. There is not necessarily a hierarchy in this process. Journalists are not above the people in this regard. They are servants to, or partners with, the people of the community. All people are considered equal and central to the purpose of the media. Community journalism is a process. It emphasises the important connection between the people of communities and their media. Community journalism encourages journalists to address the basic values and principles of traditional journalism in light of new democratisation, social change, and community empowerment initiatives.

 From research, Community journalism can be described using a simple three-phase process. These phases include: consciousness raising, working through the issue with the community, and issue resolution. While the resolution phase may sound like a final stage, it is just the beginning of actually solving problems and getting the community involved in solving their own challenges.

In the consciousness-raising phase, the journalist finds out what issues are of concern in the community. To do that, the journalist must become part of the community. The journalist connects to the citizenry, not just opinion leaders in the community. They need to learn: what the people think is going on in their community; what the people would like to know more about; and, how the citizens think they can make a difference and improve their lives.

In the second phase of working through issues, people have now identified–for the journalist–the issues. This can be thought of as a ‘community agenda’. The citizens have given their input to the media and enlightened them on what is important in their community. From these issues, the journalist can begin to construct news stories that highlight the peoples' point of view of what is happening, or perhaps hold meetings to find out what the community would like to know more about, how they would like to see issues addressed, collect ideas, discuss ideas, bring government into the discussions, and see how they fit into the picture. This activity leads to the third phase of civic/community journalism: resolution.

Because community journalism is a process, the resolution phase leads back to the beginning of the process. In the resolution phase, news stories and projects may be completed. This may result in a resolution to the issue originally identified by the community. But other issues may have come to the surface during the reporter's work with the community. It is at this time that these new issues are taken back to the first phase and again worked through the process. The media provide a forum–where the public knows they are the centre–for the citizens to solve their community’s challenges.

So we want to state here that Kwande Source News is your paper. We need your support to continue and actualize these lofty ideas. It is on this basis that we thank our supporters, those who have been helping our paper and especially those who gave us the financial assistance to hold this event. To share in this appreciation is TYOOR USAR, Tivlumun Ako Dzungwe who has assisted us and provided generously for this occasion. We welcome the pupils, parents and teachers; we wish YOU all a happy Children’s Day.

Thank you.