MR. ABRAHAM IKYOYEL LANKWAGH PUUSU 1943-2013

MR. ABRAHAM IKYOYEL LANKWAGH PUUSU was born on the 15^th June 1943. His parents were Late LANKWAGH PUUSU and his mother was mama IKYAALANKWAGH from Mbajieka, Usar District of Kwande Local Government Area. His mother was the daughter of INGYOR ATSAFA of Mbaikyegh, Gaav Konshisha Local Government Area.

EDUCATION

At the age 9 (Nine), his father released him out of his siblings to attend school due to his senior brother who was a school teacher {Late Mr. IORSHAGHER LANKWAGH, who saw much potentials and unusual intelligence in little “IKYOYEL” in the year 1954-1955. he attended the newly setup Junior Primary School, Manor Ikov where his father was on sojourn in the year 1957. he completed his senior primary education at Vandeikya and obtained his first school leaving certificate.

          He was offered admission in 1958 to Government College Keffi where he passed out with the West African School Certificate in 1962. In 1964, he obtained the Cambridge higher school certificate. He then proceeded to Ahmadu bello University, institute of administration Zaria, where he obtained a diploma in Accounting. At the institute of commerce of Nigeria, he was to obtain an Associate certificate in 1980. he also obtained a certificate in accounting and finance for developing countries at Strathelydle Business School, University of Strathelydle glass glow, great Britain in 1981.

WORKING EXPERIENCE

          The former government of the north western Nigeria employed him as trainee accountant attached to major government ministries of work. Natural Resources, Health, education and Audit Departments in 1968-1969.

          By January, 1969, he worked as sub-treasurer Sokoto State and in 1971, he headed the accounting internal audit until 1972. he became senior accountant with the ministry of natural resources 1972- August 1976. He was to work as senior accountant main accounts with Niger State Government in 1976-February 1977 where he had to resign because of pressing family issues and problems at home. At the formative of Benue cement company Gboko, the SWISS general contractors engaged his services as factory accountant in 1977 to 1978 and because of poor working conditions then, he left Swiss general contractors and joined Benue State Agricultural Corporation Makurdi as senior accountant where he rose steadily to the rank of acting chief accountant.

          The military interference with 2^nd republic brought about confusion in the general scheme of things followed by massive retrenchment which he was a victim of termination on 24^th APRIL, 1985.

          He re-engage as senior education officer, Teaching Service Board Benue State 1993 where he later left. He also had a brief teaching appointment with ACC Adikpo as head of Department Business studies and left for personal reasons.

MARITAL LIFE.

MR. ABRAHAM IKYOYEL LANKWAGH fell in love with FELICIA NGUTSEREN JAKI and got married to her from Shitile.

FIRST WIFE {FELICIA NGUTSEREN JAKI}

1.                 Comfort Member Lankwagh {Deceased}

2.                 Sunday Tertsea Lankwagh

3.                 Nguamo Lankwagh

4.                 Ahemen Lankwagh

SECOND WIFE {WINIFRED MSAAN LANKWAGH }

1.                 Torkuma Adaieu

2.                 Victor Lankwagh

3.                 Imoter Lankwagh

THIRD WIFE {FRANCA LANKWAGH} – Late

1.                  Lankwagh Jerry Lankwagh.

2.                 Tarzua Lankwagh

3.                 Terkaa Lankwagh

4.                 Orkuma Lankwagh

FOURTH WIFE {MMASE LANKWAGH} – LATE

1.                  Akula Lankwagh

2.                 Shimataver Lankwagh

3.                 Seember Kwaghange Atoor

FIFTH WIFE {PHILOMINAL  LANKWAGH} – LATE

1.                 Ilumun Bigila

SIXTH WIFE {ANNA LANKWAGH}.

1.                  Theophilus Tavershima Lankwagh

SEVENTH WIFE {MSUGHSHIMA CHRISTIANA} LANKWAGH

1.                  Denen Lankwagh

2.                 Sesugh Lankwagh

3.                 Terkuma Lankwagh

EIGHTH WIFE {SEWUESE JACINTHA LANKWAGH}, Pregnant

Grand Children=Twenty-three (23).

SPIRITUAL LIFE

          He began his Christian life early through the evangelical efforts of his late uncle PAPA FEFA PUUSU and was baptized but later became a nominal Christian with the NKST fold.

          However, he later in life developed a deep quest for spiritual matters and embraced JESUS CHRIST as his personal Lord and Saviour. He got born again and joined JESUS LIGHT EVANGELICAL CHURCH MINISTRIES, where he was fully committed. He took spiritual things so serious that he even offered his house for an interdenominational fellowship which is still going on. He indicated an intention that a church should be built within the family land. Shortly before his death, he supported fully the hosting of an intensive village crusade in his village on 18^th JUNE, 2013. Until he death, he was working on a Christian book which is ready for publication and also interpreted Chaka the zulu  (Chaka or u mba Zulu) in Tiv language (Yet to be published).

SOCIAL LIFE.

          He was a highly social person who could make friends easily both with low and high, rich or poor and one could easily feel at home when with him. He was very intelligent, Jovial and friendly, he loved cracking jokes, he is survived by wives, children, and many relations.

Mr Tertsea Lankwagh , first son of the deaceased

Kwande Bares Mind on Zone A Senate

 A frontline group for Gabriel Torwua Suswam's senatorial ambition, Zone A
Solidarity Movement For Suswam 2015, has been handed Kwande PDP Stakeholders
requests towards 2015 senate.  Kwande PDP stakeholders spoke about their expectations when the group visited Adikpo recently.


 Among those who spoke to the group included elder
 Hughordoo Nambativ and Chief John Akperashi. Chief Nambativ noted that
 Kwande felt insulted by the Katsina-Ala declaration where elders went public
 without due consultation with Kwande who is favoured for senate on zoning.

 Nambativ warned the group to be careful with people who were going about as
if Suwam would find the senate on the platter of gold. He revealed that
 those who were elders to decide the issues were resolute on the fact
 that Kwande was favoured on Zoning.


 Chief Akperashi who spoke next was even more blunt. He said it was an
 affront on kwande for the group to stroll in casually as if they didn't know
 what was at stake. Although the group had programmed to inaugurate ward
officials of the group in kwande , but Chief Akperashi told them to suspend
the arrangement, saying it was a slap on kwande and a breach of decorum.
 That if Sankera is serious about their quest to go to the  senate which belongs to Kwande, they would have to do it the right way.

He said such arrangements could only hold in other local governments.

 Meanwhile, the Chairman of PDP in Kwande Local Government, Hon. Adzua Ikyur has berated the governors appointees from Kwande. Hon Ikyur revealed that although it was clear that Governor Suswam was enriching his
 appointees to step down, but unfortunately they have failed to do same. He
 revealed  that there was poverty in
the land, which has made the people angry. He called on SUSWAM to come clean
 on the issue of senate whether he was contesting so that kwande will outline
 their conditions.

 Hon Ikyur said Kwande will not likely deny Suswam the senate because it will not be
 wise for a governor to stay out of office, but Suswam must come himself and
speak to Kwande.

Earlier, Hon Bem Tseen and Mr Asen Sambe, Chairman of kwande and Permanent
Secretary, Bureau of local government respectively, noted that Kwande will
not reject Suswam Zone A senate. Sambe said Suswam has done a lot and it was just wise that he should identify with him even though he was not a politician.

 In their opening speech, Hon. Vitalis Ayormar, chairman of the forum and
Terfa Abur, Vice Chairman ,revealed that they had earlier moved to all the 6 local
government areas in Zone A with the message that Suswam did well as House Of Reps
 and he has done a lot as Governor so he should be rewarded with senate. Hon.
 Ayommar said they knew that the senate favoured Kwande by Zoning so they
 came with all humility to plead for Kwande to hear them.

Others who spoke at the event included Azege Biam Azeze, Mrs Doo Dzoho, Hon Tersur Yachiga and Chris Afaor.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of information, Mr Justine Amase has promised to take Kwandes requests to Governor Suswam. He said he would report their complaints to Suswam, since he was working with him and sees him quite often.

Nanev Elders Okay Humbe’s Reps Ambition

By Iorliam Amo Shija

Nanev Elders Forum under the leadership of elder Asua Gbunka, has giving a nod to Mr. Msugh Tivzenda Humbe for Kwande/Ushongo Federal House of Representative in 2015. The Nanev elders Okayed Mr Humbe’s ambition at the House of the eldest man in Mbayoor district, elder Afazwa Peikyaa on 20^th July, 2015.

          Elder Asua Gbunka gave the verdict  of the Nanev elders  after he had listened to the views of elders Chia Agoh and Gbande Agberagba from Usar, Agber Igbudu and Yongi Atso from Mbaikyan, Afazwa Peikyaa, Ikyoga Chile and John Ager from Mbayoor. In summary after listening to his kinsmen, elder Gbunka noted that since nobody from Nanev has approached them for blessing as regards this particular election, it was proper for them to wish Humbe well and endorse him for the position.

          He used the opportunity to advise Mr. Humbe and other Nanev sons and daughters to always hold dialoguing sessions for the development of the people. He revealed that as elders, they were ready to chart paths for the development of the people, but observed that most times, the problems affecting the Nanev Clan were  from their illustrious sons and daughters who oftentimes, find it deficult to dialogue and make concessions, especially as regards political matters.  

In their separate submissions, the elders had noted that Late Mr. Tivzenda Humbe and his son, Late Mr. Terlumun Humbe, had been very helpful to the Nanev cause when they were alive, so they have no doubts that Mr. Msugh Humbe, the son Tivzenda Humbe and younger brother   of Terlumun Humbe will be an exception because it was a Tiv traditional believe that the new Mushroom springs from the old ones.

          Earlier, Mr. Msugh Humbe who was accompanied to the event by his friends, Mr. Eddie Shawon and Mr. Abanyi Sugh, revealed to the elders that he had asked his father, the oldest man in his district, Elder Peikyaa to invite them because he wished to inform them of his kwande/Ushongo federal house of representative ambition in 2015. Mr. Humbe, currently, a director at bureau of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Benue state revealed that he had put 32 successful years in civil  service, so knew it was only appropriate to come home with his wealth of experience and represent his people since the possible lack of qualitative representation was everywhere.

          He revealed that he is moved to join the race for kwande Ushongo because he is not satisfied with what comes to his people since return to democracy in 1999.

          In their solidarity messages, Mr. Eddie Shawom and Mr. Abanyi Sugh noted that Mr. Msugh Humbe was ably qualified to represent the people in the position he was seeking.

          Mr. Abanyi Sugh said he had worked with Mr. Humbe and believed that he would not disappoint the people if elected.

          The highlight of the event was when elder Gbunka gave Hon. Humbe their expectations. Elder Gbunka decried the situation where elected representations forget the people as soon as they were voted into office. . He told him that employment was the major challenge of the people at the moment.

          In his response, Mr. Humbe revealed that he would not disappoint the people. He said that as he has been using the opportunities of his current office to touch the lives of his people, he would continue to do same even when elected.

Zone ‘A’ Senate seat belongs to Kwande. No more, no less- Chief Akperashi

QUESTION: You have come to make your marks as one of the consistent young men in the state; visionary and outspoken. One who calls a spade a spade and ready to fight for the course of his people. Recently, you declared too, the Zone “A” Senate is for Kwande. Are you still maintaining your position?

Answer:  Why not? Yes…. Why not. Who is the person contesting that reality? I have said it without apologies to any one individual or group of persons. Anybody who does not feel comfortable with this claim, that’s his own cup of tea to sip. I believe strongly PDP respects zoning. The party recognizes order and farness. It is on this basis that most elective positions are today occupied by various individuals who had benefited from the zoning arrangement that the party has entrenched. In fact this issue of the senate in Zone ‘A’ goes with an aura of great insults to Kwande people. Can you imagine that Kwande, the most dependable political bloc, most popular and politically most enlightened from Zone ‘A’ have not had a shot at the Senate! This is unbelievable. Then after all the manipulations, after all the marginalization, deliberate innuendoes, denials and schemes, the chance has at last naturally presented itself and then someone would wake up and shout Kwande people down?

          I, Chief John Akperashi Gum have not seen yet, such a person that would dare say it is not the turn of the Kwande people to take a shot at the Senate. This is the time; it is the moment; it is the hour. Indeed it is the time and a very ripe time unarguably for Kwande for the Senate. So I’m still saying and I repeat; the Zone ‘A’ Senate seat belongs to Kwande. No more, no less.

Question: but we hear you are  very close to  person is in dare need of the seat even though he is not from Kwande.

ANSWER: Cuts in… who is that? Who is that friend of mine? Who is he other than from Kwande to contest and is eligible?

Question:  we hear your friend, the governor has already constituted his campaign team for the senate comprising of some very top government officials from zone ‘A’ who are going all over canvassing support for the governor for the senate race.

Answer: Well, I’m not aware of that, I’m not aware if the governor whom is presumed by you to be my very close friend is nursing such an ambition to the extent of inaugurating a campaign team. And I would not like to talk or respond to assumptions.

Question: we hear recently you convoked a Kwande/Ushongo summit which was suddenly forcefully put off by the security operatives on the orders of the governor who felt threatened that you were going to conscientize kwande people over the senate issue against his position and ambition.

Answer: Well, it is true that I moved to host a Kwande/Ushongo summit along side Hon. Onov Tyuulugh. The purpose was to chart a Kwande political course and attempt taking a position over some basic political issues. It was not held for security reasons as advanced and advised by the Directorate of the S.S.S. however, to an extent that the governor was behind it, I’m hearing it for the first time. So you can tell me further. If it was true as claimed and speculated. What was the governor’s fears?

Question: That was the news all over the town. And many believed it because the SSS were able to abort the summit.

Answer: We also heard other versions other than what you are saying. Did you get to know the position of the KWUPO over that meeting? What about the party, ANC who also came out with their own interpretation of the meeting. My friend, the summit did not hold as planned. It is not late though so I think that should not be an issue.

Question: Many still think it is an issue because the governor was believed to have stopped the summit and that is why we want to know.

Answer: Good. That would be your lots to do. You have to enquire from the Governor if you believed he was the brain behind putting off the summit. Go, find out from him because I would not be in a position to tell you. Someone else was purported to have stopped a meeting for his own reasons and you are asking someone else to clarify so how would I know?

Question: But then on a serious note; you are insisting that the Zone ‘A’ Senate is for Kwande so would you maintain your grounds if your friend, the governor decides to come out from Sankera to contest?

Answer: I honestly don’t see any basis or how Suswam’s interest in the senate precludes the stark reality that the senate is for Kwande. Suswam just like any other person from kwande qualified to vie for or indicate interest for the senate. These are two different ball-games. What I, Chief John Akperashi has been saying is that, everybody can indicate interest. Everybody can inaugurate a campaign team and bent on contesting but it must be told and accepted and established that this senate at this moment belongs to Kwande.

          But in the first instance, why are you only emphasizing on governor Suswam? Has Barnabas Gemade told you he is no longer contesting? He is from Konshisha. It is usually an 8-year term mandate for each constituency. Chief Gemande had gone to do four year tenure to complete his Jechira brother’s 8-year mandate that was punctured. Chief Joseph Akaagerger had spent four years earlier. The people expressed dissatisfaction with his outings and moved to reclaim the seat. We all said yes, he can be recalled but in the spirit of equity and for play, let the Jechira complete their slot. In the wake of this, his elder brother, Chief BAI Gemande was saddled with the responsibility to complete his younger brother’s mandate which is about spending. Consequently, Jechira would have completed their conventional 8-year mandate and thereby passing the baton to Kwande, the most populous from that axis that is yet to take a shot at any given time. But as we speak, we hear Gemande is also not only indicating interest but determined to go back. So you can see, it is not only the governor that is purported of wanting this senate that is clearly for Kwande.

Question: so, in the event of Suswam and Gemade all coming out, who shall you, support?

Answer: Gemade is from Jechira Federal constituency who would have completed their 8-year mandate. Suswam is from Sankera Federal Constituency. Sankera has made senate over and over again. So the two personalities justifiably and logically are zoned out. So if you ask me, I shall only support a Kwande son because as I told you, the senate is for Kwande.

Question: But so far, we have not heard of any Kwande son coming out to declare for the senate yet you are clamoring for a Kwande Senate…

Answer: (Cuts in)… Have you heard the governor whom you are claiming has already inaugurated his campaign organization come out to declare for the senate? But I think I know what your worry is over this matter so let me help you out. You want to hear from me emphatically if I shall be ready to confront the governor in case he decides to run for the senate in zone ‘A’ rightly belongs to Kwande. The people must accept this and get it deeply into their heads the PDP exco must also declare so. Then if the dust is cleared, the wind would blow unhindered. If in the long run no Kwande son comes up as you are saying or even if one happens to come out we shall in the finals analyses listen to Chief Gemade’s sermon. We shall also equally hear Suswan’s toast. If any of the two makes more meaning to Kwande’s and it is resolved that the senate be loaned out, then that shall be. 

          At this point we shall take stock of how Suswam as a governor has touched Kwande sons and indeed, Kwande Local Government in general as well, how Gemade as a senator in his own capacity has been able to change the face of his constituency and constituents. And mind you, this shall not just be a breakfast discussion. Kwande is such a complex local government with diverse political interest groups and individual political strengths and capacities. All must be involved in this process for it to sail through.

          We have elected leaders from PDP in that area; Hon. Bem Tseen and Hon. Christopher Afaor. Then you go further to political appointees at various levels of control where you have our current Commissioner for information and Orientation, Hon. Justin Amase who is also a huge mobilizer and not also leaving out the immediate past commissioner, Hon. Simeon Kwaghbulah. You have the state secretary of PDP.Hon. Bem Dzoho and Special Adviser to the governor on security, Col. Basil Kwembeh. Then on the individual capacity, strength and command of the followership be it in or out of government, you can go to Kwande and confirm, there is nothing that can gather any momentum or be of any political substance without the blessing of Chief Terlumun Akputu, Hon. Tersugh Yachiga and myself, Chief John Akperashi. Wantaregh unongo used to be the father and grand commander but with his recent stepping aside, we are calling the shots on all fronts.  

          So, the issue of the Zone ‘A’ senate is, and shall never at any point be toyed with especially as it involves Kwande. I want you to get this message clear as well as to whomsoever it may Concern.

          Question: Based on this line-up, I think if you have to loan out the senate seat, definitely, Suswam would have it automatically because most of you from all indications shall be favourably disposed to him

Answer: How? Why would my fans wonder more than myself over my predicament? I really don’t have issues with the governor. He remains my leader and a dear friend. I’m always at his service and also serving my party PDP dutifully. I lay my complaints where I feel things ought to have been done differently. Whether or not such are reconciled, I forge on. As you can see we are moving forward.

Question: Ok. To be more blunt, you anchored the re-election of the governor and no doubt dominated his campaign train. Many expected that you would be given a major appointment considering your contributions. It never came. Recently, Boards were constituted, the governor gave names and you were not among. How can you prove that all is well?

Answer:  well as I earlier said, I’m not complaining. The governor is our leader. He knows all our capabilities and potentials having related with us one on one and on personal levels. In my instance, I was never the governor’s class-mate. I was never his school-mate either. I was neither his childhood-friend nor soul-mate and so on as many are fond of saying. I knew the governor during his days in the national assembly. I was then a core political activist. One of the opposition leaders. I was in the APP and later on the ANPP while he was in the PDP. As a critic, I was attracted to his person as he was so much talked about especially in Abuja. I got closer to him and alas! I found in him rare attributes of a young man of our generation strangely, even as we were in different political parties, if you go through the articles I use to do about him, projecting his leadership qualities and altruism, many got confused. Many kept  wondering why he was the only person in PDP I had such level of soft spot for and could devout up to seven pages of my magazine projecting his efforts at the National Assembly.

          I remember how Dr. George Akume then as governor would accuse Suswam and sought to find out the basis of tolerance and intimacy between us since I never use to see anything good in Akume as a governor.

          Momentarily, it got beyond that and we got closer. I have told you I don’t betray confidence. I was not in the same party with Suswam during his days at the National Assembly yet, he enjoyed my full support, friendship and confidence. Within this period, we have shared a lot. He knows me quite well as it relates to talents, capacity and trust. So, if to this day he has not fixed me in his government both at state or national, then obviously, I may not have been suitable for any of the openings so far by his own judgment. I’m also not unmindful of the fact that Suswam is a thorough-bred student of power. You may not know. He has read so many books of power. He also would have learnt so much from Machiavelli’s position on power and leadership. He might be correct in his judgment too. The world over, people of attributes like mine are hardly entrusted with leadership positions. They are also never to be made too comfortable either.

          We are few like that in Benue and I can count them. My dependable ally, Late Basil Chianson would have felled into this category if he were alive. But we have people like Prof. Mvendaga Jibo, Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, Bem Ugoh, Mike Gbe and again, Late daggris Moti if you knew him. Upright, steadfast, populist and outspoken.

The balance is, one continues to serve and give unquestionable loyalty. Eventually the time comes. So, I think it may not necessary be that the governor has not deliberately appreciated my efforts and service and also not mindful of protecting my interest. It might just be a simple fact that what I would be more suitable for is yet to come. But I also think that is a no issue because as you can see I’m moving on and along.

I may not be where many would imagine I should but I’m equally no more where I used to be before the emergence of this administration under Dr. Gabriel Suswam. So basically we thank God for our lives.