By Amos Aar
FOLLOWING protests on Wednesday by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Makurdi demanding for food, the Benue State Government has declared that it has not yet accessed the ₦1 billion donation made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to cater for IDPs in the state.
Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, made the clarification on Wednesday at the Benue State Council secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) while addressing journalists on the heels of the protest by IDPs in Makurdi.
He described the protest as hasty and politically-influenced, stressing that the funds announced by the First Lady during her visit to the state on Tuesday had not yet been cashed out.
“It is unfortunate that IDPs took to the streets just a day after the First Lady presented the cheque. The funds have not yet been cleared or made available for use, yet we saw road blockades and protests. This clearly shows that a political agenda is at play. Someone must have misled them to believe that the ₦1 billion was already available,” Iorpev stated
He reiterated the Alia administration’s commitment to the welfare of IDPs and appealed to political actors to prioritise the unity and development of the state over personal interests.
The displaced persons from camps in the North Bank area of Makurdi blocked the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja highway from as early as 6am, disrupting movement and commercial activities. Many travellers were left stranded, while others were forced to return due to the gridlock. The protesters carried placards with messages such as “No food, No BSEMA” and “No Food For 2 Months.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Council of NUJ held its July Congress on the same day, where members reflected on the state of journalism and governance in the state.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the union urged journalists to remain professional and ethical in their reportage, especially during politically charged times. It also commended Governor Alia for his investments in infrastructure development and urged him to expedite the completion of ongoing projects.
The union also called on the state government to mobilise contractors to begin work on the Agber–Kighir township road. It appealed to the government to improve the working conditions at state-owned media organizations — Radio Benue, The Voice newspaper, and Benue Television Corporation — to enhance productivity and professionalism.
On security, the union called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The union condoled with veteran journalist and publisher of The Pavilion newspaper, Deacon Babs Usigbe, over the death of his younger brother, Dr. Leon Usigbe, Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspaper and State House Correspondent in Abuja.
