Kwaghhon Uja is Dead

Mr Kwaghon Uja,  Chairman Peoples Democratic Party( PDP), Adikpo Township is dead. Uja dead on the early hours of Friday, 5th January, 2013.

Details shortly.

SORRY

The Management of Kwande Source News wish to apologize for our inability to to update regularly, it was due to  a technical problem. we shall resume fully by next week. THANKS 

We Must Rise To our Threats- Engr. Akaakar

Engr, Bem Akaakar, the president General of Mdzough U Tiv (MUT) South-South, has called on Tiv people at home and diaspora to unite against what he called, “fundamental issues that are threatening our existence as a people”.Engr Akaakar gave this charge on 28th August , 2012, at Safari Hotel, Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the civic reception organised by MUT ss in honour of deserving Tiv sons in the south.

Those honoured were Engr. Dondo Ahire- MD/CEO Lone Star Drilling Co Ltd, Port Harcourt, Brig. General Emmanuel T Nienger- Commandant, Army School of Logistics Benin, Edo State, Air Commodore Jacob A Gbawuam- Commander 337 Base Service Group Enugu, Mr Christopher Dega; then the commissioner of Police Imo state, he has been promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police and moved to Kano as Commandant Police College, this happened shortly after the honour, and  Prof David Ker- Vice Chancellor, Veritus (catholic) University of Nigeria, Obehie, Abia State.

Offering his welcome address, Engr. Akaakar revealed that, 'we are being marginalized in a way and manner that we have never before experience in our lives purportedly by a government that is supposed to be close our leaders.'

He said Tiv people have become subjects of constant massacre and that Tiv people had disappeared from federal appointments.

”When are we going to realized that the train of development has left us behind? When are we going to realized there is so much hunger in tar Tiv ? when are we going to realized the unemployment among youth is palpable”, he queried.

He  called on Tiv people to put politics aside and work for the advancement of tar Tiv. The event was well attended by many Tiv people all over the world and friends from Benue State of Nigeria.

An Elegy For Bem Usorko

Bem Usorko, one of the most celebrated madmen around Adikpo, who was the toast of politicians, is dead. He was buried 7 August,2012 some where in Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government.

Usorko appeared around Adikpo in the early 90s with a baggage, the stuff that every madman carries...Usorko also carried in addition, what the folks now call “swagger". His swagger was peculiar.

Obviously, Usorko might be mad but he was able to develop a successful brand that earned him a status; and fame...

Since he came on the stage, there is no sitting governor of the state who had visited Adikpo and Bem, using tact or posing as some chairman, that he would not have access to.

It was fun listening to Bem bragged about his riches and positions, he also talked about highly placed friends!

Bem might be wrong on possession of riches, but he had friends. In the 90s, some Adikpo influential people would use him to either insult their opponents, or drugged ladies who were claiming extra ordinary class, and then bring him to sleep with them. In those days, they would buy new clothes for him and take him around town...

He had an accident somewhat in 2000, became disabled, took to excess alcohol there after, became dirty, deserted by all friends and died like the madman, he was!

Usorko, your simple story, a lifestyle lived almost around Adikpo, for some of us who observed it, was eventful, rest in peace, zegeor, as you wish to be regarded

An Elegy For Bem Usorko

Bem Usorko, one of the most celebrated madmen around Adikpo, who was the toast of politicians, is dead. He was buried 7 August,2012 some where in Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government.

Usorko appeared around Adikpo in the early 90s with a baggage, the stuff that every madman carries...Usorko also carried in addition, what the folks now call “swagger". His swagger was peculiar.

Obviously, Usorko might be mad but he was able to develop a successful brand that earned him a status; and fame...

Since he came on the stage, there is no sitting governor of the state who had visited Adikpo and Bem, using tact or posing as some chairman, that he would not have access to.

It was fun listening to Bem bragged about his riches and positions, he also talked about highly placed friends!

Bem might be wrong on possession of riches, but he had friends. In the 90s, some Adikpo influential people would use him to either insult their opponents, or drugged ladies who were claiming extra ordinary class, and then bring him to sleep with them. In those days, they would buy new clothes for him and take him around town...

He had an accident somewhat in 2000, became disabled, took to excess alcohol there after, became dirty, deserted by all friends and died like the madman, he was!

Usorko, your simple story, a lifestyle lived almost around Adikpo, for some of us who observed it, was eventful, rest in peace, zegeor, as you wish to be regarded

Tse-Ikpato brukutu shop

Perhaps the most popular child ever of  Ikpato Adikpo Ademagba Ayisa was Nanevwua. As a police officer and later, the ADC to the first civilian governor of Benue State, Mr Aper Aku,  Nanev, who was christened John( actually, better known as  John Adikpo), was very popular. Although he might have had fame and wealth, but John Adikpo was not the first child of Ikpato. So many others  were older than him.

Ikpato Adikpo was selected by the Nanev elders and presented to the British colonial authorities for appointment as Tor of Nanev by the then highly respected Nanev elder, Adagi Kwaghgba of Mbakyan on 17th August 1928. Before Ikpato, the following people have been Nanev  chiefs. Adikpo Ademagba(1914 -1920), Awen(1920-1921) Jia (1921-1925), Nev (1925-28).

Colonial sources suggest that, though he was  young, Ikpato was tactful with the elders, unusually intelligent and carried out his work exceptionally well. As a chief, he married so many wives and had many children. Ayatse, Ioryue, Tarzoho, Tyohemba, Azenda, Anongo and of course Nanev ,were some of his children.

 Today,  there is at  Tse Ikpato, a large expanse of land where all the children of Ikpato are residing,   a Burukutu drinking shop. Every morning, wheel barrow pushers, Okada men, civil servants, drivers, students, pensioners, farmers, police men etc all gather to drink Burukutu. A calabash goes for as low as N20.

Adzenda, one of the children of Ikpato,   married two wives, Yandohor and Mbavihim. It was Yandohor who started the Burukutu shop. Although she is dead, her Burukutu shop lives on. Today, Happiness and Member are the  two women who take turn at the Burukutu shop.

You might consider coming to Tse Ikpato Adikpo Ademagba for fresh Burukutu

Groundnuts lead at Adikpo market

For several markets now since the harvesting season began late July, groundnuts have taken over at the lead commodity at Adikpo market.

KSN  investigation reveals that the product has atttracted buyers from all over the country. Abeg of padded groundnut since the season began has  been fluctuactin between 3500-5000.

            The ppealed groundnut have been also going for between 10,00-13,000. Information by Beranda association indicates that other products following groundnuts are Rice, Guinea corn and Locust beans.

            Padded rice has been fluctuating  between 4000-6000. Guinea corn, 8000-1000 and locust bean 10,000-13,000.

Adikpo Based Business Mogul, Akaazua Asan, For Burial

Mr. Pius Akaazua Asan, one of the richest Adikpo based Businessmen is dead. He died on 11th August, 2012.

                According to information made available to KSN by Mr Raphael Akaazua, the oldest son of the deceased , Mr Asan took ill suddenly on 21st July and was rushed to a private clinic in Adikpo. He was identified with High Blood Pressure.

                He was later moved to BSU Teaching Hospital Makurdi, where he died eventually.

                Since he came to Adikpo in 1956 according to family sources, Mr Asan has built his various business interests in and around Adikpo to an enviable height. He had various commercial interests including Housing, store keeping, and farming.

                He will be buried at Tse Abusa, Mbayar, Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government on the 7th September, 2012.

Adikpo Based Business Mogul, Akaazua Asan, For Burial

Mr. Pius Akaazua Asan, one of the richest Adikpo based Businessmen is dead. He died on 11th August, 2012.

                According to information made available to KSN by Mr Raphael Akaazua, the oldest son of the deceased , Mr Asan took ill suddenly on 21st July and was rushed to a private clinic in Adikpo. He was identified with High Blood Pressure.

                He was later moved to BSU Teaching Hospital Makurdi, where he died eventually.

                Since he came to Adikpo in 1956 according to family sources, Mr Asan has built his various business interests in and around Adikpo to an enviable height. He had various commercial interests including Housing, store keeping, and farming.

                He will be buried at Tse Abusa, Mbayar, Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government on the 7th September, 2012.

Chairmanship Election: Zoning Divides Kwande Politicians, ... Where Should The Next Chairman Come From? Turan, Ikyurav or Shanngev?

 

 

There has been palpable tension in Kwande over the issue of where the next elected council chairman will come from since Benue State Independent Electoral Commission(BSIEC) released an electoral timetable fixing the polls on 24th November, 2012.

The present Caretaker Chairman, Hon Terhile Iorchir is the 40th chairman of the  36th year old Local government, but since 1989 when Ushongo Local government was carved out of Kwande, sharing of  elective positions appear to follow a 'gentleman arrangement' among the four major clans. These clans are Ikyurav, Nanev, Shangev and Turan.

Even with this, the bulk of the past chairmen in the local government have been sole administrators, transition or caretaker chairmen. The local government has only 7 elected councils since then.  But Hon. Boniface Azer Ukende, the 20th and 4th Eelected chairman of the local government have advanced in his book, “The aftermath of Kwande Political Crisis: Focus on chairmanship Zoning” which he wrote in 2006 that “...my analysis of zoning will strictly be based on “ elected” .... chairmen of Kwande origin and not the appointees.”

He argued that, “one, the elected chairmen follow a due process of zoning, nomination and final election by the people (Ityo) to a particular component house. The process is repeated at another “turn” for another component house to go in. But the appointees assume office by the whims and caprices of the government of the day and they may not necessary be indigenes of the local government.”

Ukende noted further that, “the elected chairmen are answerable to their people (Ityo) whilst the appointees owe their loyalty and allegiance to their mentors who appointed them”. That the Kwande people, “deem appointment/ appointees as (igo toho) “ Bush pig”which is never offered on a bride. They are largesse by the government in power. They can not be considered as (igo ken ya) “domestic pig” which can be offered on a bride”

From the foregoing arguments, Hon Ukende concluded that, “going by this principle, only elective positions are counted or considered which (Ityo) the people undertake the due process of zoning, nominating and electing”

Kwande Source News investigation discover that apart from very few people who are outright against the principle of zoning, the majority of Kwande people believe in  the position advanced by Hon Ukende.

The first elected chairman from Kwande under this arrangement was Hon D D Buter. He was from Shangev-ya. His tenure lasted from1988 to1989. The next elected chairman was from Turan. His name was Akombor Ande Akombor, he lasted from 1991 to1993. The third was Hon S Agbur Kachi, Kachi was Nanev. He was in power from 1996 to 1997. In 1997, Hon Boniface Azer Ukende from Ikyurav-ya came on board as the next elected chairman. He was in power till 1997. The latter completed a round which many believed should be the sacrosanct succession formula for Kwande as regards to chairmanship elections.

From the above revelation, KSN learnt that  it was designed as a tradition by Kwande politicians that  Shangeya-ya starts, Turan follows, Nanev comes third and Ikyurav-Ya comes last to complete a “round” among the four clans, after which another round starts afresh.

When the fourth republic commenced in 1999, attempts were made by Kwande politicians to maintain this principle. But shortly after they took off, events conspired against them and have enmeshed this process in a confusion which is challenging its sacrosanct pretentions.

In 1999 Hon Denis Dzeka from Shangev-ya was elected as the fifth chairman to begin what many have called “second round”. They reasoned that after Dzeka from Shangev-ya,  then it would have been the turn of Turan. Nanev and Ikyurav following as it was laid down in the first round.

The first blow to this system was the death of Hon Dzeka in 2000 just a year into his term. Since the constitution of Nigeria and Local government laws in Benue don't recognise zoning, Dzeka's vice chairman, a man from Ikyurav-ya, Tyoule Akende took over. There was a strong argument that Ikyurav had prematurely had their turn. For by the provisions of the first round principle,  they always come last,  just after Nanev.

Hon Ukende argued against this conclusion. In his book, quoted earlier, he said, “many people will recall vividly that there was agitation as to where the second round should kick start. But it was unanimously resolved that it should go back to the initial take off point. Consequent upon that, the second round began again with Shangev-ya (Ipusu) where Hon. Denis T. Dzeka was duly elected from 29th May, 1999 to 27th August 2000(died on the seat) becoming the fifth elected chairman (and in fact the 2nd for Shangev-ya) produced in the Local  government area”

He concluded his arguments, not putting the tenure completion of   Hon Akende in to consideration, thus, “Shangev-ya now has two elected chairmen. This was the reason why without much ado the zoning for the sixth elected chairman favoured Turan (Ichongo) in the 27th March, 2004 election. This is acceptable arrangement that from Shangevya the seat normally moves to Turan.”

He said that, “in so far as the election was nullified, the vacuum created in Turan by the said nullification is still there irrespective of any appointment done in the interim”

Many people argued against this latter conclusion by Hon Ukende as it relates to March 27th 2004 election and Hon Tyoule Akende . An elder told KSN that the 2004 election brought up a “special” issue against the strict arguments for none inclusion of “appointment of Chairmen” in Kwande zoning principle as it  has been advanced by Hon Ukende  because Hon Tersur Yachiga, the presumed “winner” of the election was subsequently given his mandate. The elder who preferred to remain anonymous argued that, since it was an open secret that Hon Yachiga was the winner of the annulled election; his reinstatement was obviously the normalization of the process.

Many politicians like Dr Teen,  from Shangev Ya and Mr Bem Agbur Kachi from Nanev, believe that such arguments may be logical but, if they allowed to sail through,    will only sow seeds of discord in Kwande. Speaking in Jato Aka recently during the declaration of Hon Raymond Anumve for Chairmanship election, Dr Teen stated that what they have believed is simple, and that is the next chairman will be  coming from Turan. For according to him, they are yet to produce their second elected chairman.

Others believe that the issue of Tyoule Akende could not be ignored and moreso, if Hon Hanior Henda an Ikyurav man was sole Administrator as about this time, it were better for Kwande to maintain their sacrosanct principle by accepting that Turan were yet to produce their second elected council chairman.

When council elections were conducted in 2007 and it was not a Turan man that won, but Hon Terlumun Akputu from Nanev, the final blow to the zoning system was given. In the old arrangement, after Turan, it is Nanev, so why did Turan allow what they called their turn to go Nanev in 2007?

In a open letter to Hon Bem Tseen and the people o Kwande, a political group by name “consensus youth for the survival of Suswam/ Lawani 2011, Kwande local government Chapter, believed to be a brain child of Mr Terseer Apuu ,revealed that, “the truth remains that the Ikyurav aisxis has an overwhelming advantage over the Turan district concerning the 2012-2014 chairmanship tickect....because the Turan axis sold its chance to   Nanev Via Hon Terlumun Akputu..”, he noted that, “political elders from Turan like the likes of Ihom Chaver, Orya Korinjo to mention just but a few publicly supported Akputu who subsequently won the ticket”

Hon Bem Tseen, one of the contestants from Turan who contested against Akputu has called such arguments as “falsehood”. He told KSN that the zoning system in Kwande might be slightly affected but the Ikyurav people have no technical advantage over Turan as it relates 2012 polls. Basing his arguments on Ukende's book, he said even when Gon Gire acted as Ter Kwande for years, but  since it was the turn of Shangev, there was no arguments when he was made the substantive Ter Kwande.

He said the issue of Akende is clear. He was elected on a joint ticket with Dzeka as such, his later assumption to the chairmanship can not be viewed as an appointment. Hon Anumve who supports this position has observed that as it stands, Shangev has two elected,(Buter and Dzeka), Turan has one ( Akombor Ande), Nanev has two(Kachi and Akputu) and Ikyurav has two( Ukende and Akende).

Adding his voice,  another Kwande PDP chieftain in Jato Aka  revealed that “Hon Akpupu's brand of politics in Kwande was a novelty  in so many respects. He was forceful and intimidating. As a result, he created a lot of problems, especially for insistence to grab Turans turn. So now that he is out of the way, Kwande should quietly go back and start on the right note.

                 Secret Document

KSN has though gathered reliably from some Kwande political fathers that after the Kwande Crisis , Kwande elders attended a meeting where Turan elders agreed and signed a secret document that if  Hon Tersur Yachiga was made a Transition Chairman, they  would  admit  that  the zoning system was once again normalised. They said that was why Ikyurav people voted against Turan in 2007. All attempts to see the document proved abortive, but we gathered that all Ikyurav delegates voted for Akputu in 2007. Turan elders have argued against the existence of such a document.

Shangev ya

Hon Adzua Ashongo has told our reporters that the next chairman should come from Shangev ya in compensation to Denis Dzeka whose tenure was caught shot by death. Hon Ashongo who argued emphatically that Turan were out of the picture since they benefitted for four years before 2007 in Hon Bem Tseen and Tersur Yachiga, has gotten their turn. “do you think it was a mistake that Akputu won the election in 2007? It was a collective decision of Kwande that the Turan gets their turn which was cancelled at the nullification of the 2004”. He agreed that ordinarily, it would have been Ikyurav turn but, they benefitted Shangev turn in Akende when Dzeka died. “it was ment to be a three years term butDzeka died just a year and Akende enjoyed those years. So it has become imperative that we Shangev have our turn.”

He said when President Umaru Musa Yar Adua from the north died, PDP from this wisdom zoned the seat back to the North in compensation for the death. They noted quite rightly that, to Ashongo, that the turn of the north was truncated and so should be restored. “That was what should have happened in 2007. Shangev should have had their turn, but it was shifted to Turan and they benefitted from it, then Nanev turn came and Akputu won so now it is  only right for Ikyurav who have earlier benefitted  from Shangev turn to return it.” He argued.

Ashongo took on Turan people and argued that they have taken other clans in Kwande  for granted. “Do the Turan people think we are mad or fools? In 1999 MAT Gbande was elected house of Reps from Zone B, the seat went to Ushongo and when it returned to Kwande it went back to Turan people, so what is so strange that chairman will move from Nanev to Shangev?'” he queried. 

                    There is No Zoning

Meanwhile, so many people appear not to be interested in the zoning arguments. To them, the most credible person with  the vision to lead Kwande should be given the opportunity. Mr Tersoo Akula, one of those who believe Kwande most move forward has argued that, the time to mortgaged the the future of Kwande over frivolous issues like zoning was over. He said, Kwande people must not repeat the mistake of entrusting their future in the hands of visionless leaders.

Adding  is voice on this, Mr Ngutor Anyam, a contestant on the platform of ACN told KSN that, though it is Turans turn, he doesn't believe in zoning. He argues that zoning breeds “mediocrity”. In a chat with our reporters in his Makurdi office the suveryor said, “My party ACN is looking forward in putting their best foot forward. We believe in rendering quality services to the people.”

He also noted that as the most popular in Kwande, ACN can not give a mandate, it must be to only those who knows the weight of what ACN wish to bring to the people. “My party is looking out for people with the capacity to deliver on its welfarist manifesto. This could be anybody. It must not be for sectional or sentimental bases”, he said.

            To him such 'ya na angbian” politics had only taken the people backward. To him “eating” as  the  Tiv word YA is literally translated does not sound appealing to him as an administrative concept. That people who have capable leaders. Leaders who are doing their duties, will not be thinking of sectional or clannish when looking for leaders.   

Since all political parties have scheduled their primaries in September, in line with BSIEC guidelines, posters of different politicians have littered the major towns of Kwande, especially, Adikpo, Jato Aka and Ikyogen.

                      The Contestants

KSN investigation reveals that the following are contenders in the election, Hon. Mker Shimave, Hon. Bem Tseen, Hon. Raymond Anumve (PDP, Turan). Others are Hon Viashima Akombor Ande and Mrs IKpambese and Ngutor Anyam (ACN,Turan).

From Ikyurav axis are  Hon. D.N Tamen, Hon. Mrs Lydia Suleh, Hon. Pastor Anyor Ikyor, Hon. Justine Amase, Hon. David Kumbur and Emmanuel Jumpa(PDP); also are Andy Ovande and Hon. Tyor(ACN).