Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The expanded caucus of the PDP in Benue North East (Zone A), under the leadership of Zonal Chairman Hon. Abraham Waroh convened today, July 5th, 2025, at the residence of the late Chief Aker Gajir in Lessel, Ushongo Local Government Area. The gathering was attended by representatives from various organs of the PDP across Zone A, reaffirming our collective resolve and commitment to the ideals of our party and the welfare of our people.
The organs of the party at the meeting were:
~ Members of the PDP State Executive Committee from Zone A
~ Members of PDP G-14 from the zone
~ Five local government officials of the party from each of the local government areas in the zone
~ Three critical stakeholders from each of the local government areas in the zone
~ All ward chairmen from each of the local governments in the zone.
The meeting resolved as follows:
1. PDP strongly condemns the escalating insecurity ravaging Benue communities. The ongoing attacks and killing of innocent Benue people by armed herders are an existential threat which is part of the grand agenda to take over our lands. The party demands urgent, decisive action from the Hyacinth Alia-led government to bring lasting peace and stability to our state.
2. The party sympathizes with victims of Fulani terrorist attacks in the state, many of whom have lost loved ones and thousands displaced.
3. We reaffirm our unflinching support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, enacted through rigorous consultation and popular mandate by the previous administration led by His Excellency, Chief Samuel Ortom This law remains the most effective and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, as far as the invasion of communities by Fulani terrorists is concerned. We call on the current government to uphold and enforce this law without compromise.
4. We demand that Governor Alia fulfill his promise to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes. The governor is on record to have promised to return the IDPs to their ancestral lands within the first 100 days of his administration; however, two years into his tenure, the number of IDPs has tripled, and their plight remains unresolved.
5. We call on Governor Alia to grant full Local Government Autonomy, allowing council chairmen access to their rightful funds from the federation account. This measure is critical to empowering local governments to effectively combat insecurity and provide development to our people. Local governments in the state should be allowed to control their resources directly as the Supreme Court ruled last year. Anything short of this is illegal and remains unacceptable. For two years under the current administration, local governments in Benue State have not been able to construct even a single borehole or toilet, because they are not allowed to access their funds which have quadrupled since the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023 by President Bola Tinbubu.
6. In view of the fact that adequate resources are now available to the Benue State Government following the fuel subsidy removal, PDP demands that Governor Alia should clear the arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities, like all governors in other states have since done. Records have shown that Benue is the only state still owing the arrears of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities in this era of subsidy removal.
7. The party resolves to replicate this expanded caucus at the local government and ward levels. We will compile a comprehensive list of local government and ward caucuses for submission to the Zonal Chairman, ensuring grassroots participation and strengthening our party’s grassroots structure.
8. The PDP Zone A publicly distances itself from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and any coalition activities. We are not in any coalition with other political parties. We urge our members at all levels to disassociate completely from coalition arrangements with disgruntled elements and self-serving politicians who have long enjoyed the support of PDP but now seek to undermine the party’s unity and progress.
9. We caution our members to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals who have become tools in the hands of enemies, land grabbers, jihadists, and terrorists, who seek to destabilize our state for personal and political gain. The PDP remains the only party committed to protecting our heritage, land, and people.
10. Vote of Confidence:
The PDP Zone A Caucus passes a resounding vote of confidence on His Excellency, Chief Samuel Ortom, our Leader in the state. We also reaffirm our support for Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, the State Chairman, and the entire State Working Committee, recognizing their dedication and leadership.
11. We remain steadfast, unyielding, and increasingly resolute in our quest to reclaim power in 2027. Our focus is on revitalizing the economy, enhancing security, and improving the wellbeing of all Benue people.
12. We thank all members and supporters for their resilience and commitment. May God continue to bless our efforts and guide us in pursuit of justice, peace, and progress.
*PDP – Power to the People!*
Signatures
Konshisha
1. Hon. Dr. Sarwuan Tarnongo
2. Hon. Terver Akase
3. Dr. Comfort T. Abaa
Vandeikya
1. Prof. Dennis A. Ityavyar
2. Chief Benjamin M. Dowgo
3. Hon. Bem Philip Gbe
Ukum
1. Barr. Mue Clement
2. Elder Akura Orngu
3. Hon. Maxwell Adagi Igba
Logo
1. Hon. Dr. James Anbua
2. Dr. Terris Damsa Gmf
3. Hon. Victor Kpandegh
Ushongo
1. Elder Chief Atsaga Anemba
2. Hon. Veronica Gajir
3. Hon. Dr. Loko Tersoo Joseph
Katsina-Ala
1. His Excellency, Amb. Chive Kaave
2. Hon. Tor Aye
3. DSP Pawa Orlu Dickson Rtd.
Kwande
1. Engr. Charles Avul
2. Hon. Boniface A. Ukende
3. Hon. Philip Tyokaha