By John Thomas, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.

Governor Alia in a message of felicitation released at the weekend signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Tersoo Kula, described Justice Ikpambese as a distinguished legal professional who has devoted years of service to the administration of justice in the state.

The Governor, acknowledged Justice Ikpambese’s years of experience in the legal profession and the responsibilities he has undertaken as Chief Judge.

He commended his commitment to duty and contributions to the development of the legal system in Benue State.

“You have devoted a significant part of your life to the legal profession and public service. Reaching this milestone is an opportunity to recognise your years of commitment, the responsibilities you have shouldered and your contributions to the administration of justice in Benue State,” Governor Alia said.

He expressed confidence that the Chief Judge will continue to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on his duties, while encouraging younger legal practitioners to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and dedication to service.

Governor Alia wished Justice Ikpambese good health, renewed strength and God’s continued guidance, praying for many more fruitful years and greater accomplishments for the Chief Judge and his family.

By Peter Joseph, Benin

Edo State Retirees have lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for approving their return to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The pensioners who paid a thank-you and solidarity visit to Government House, Benin City
pledged their support for the state government to listen to their carry.

Chairman of the Association of Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, Mr. Asemota Osagie Andrew, said the CPS, as implemented under the previous administration, left many retirees worse off, adding that the retired after 35 years of service and felt the pain of the system first-hand.

According to him, the governor’s decision shows a government that listens to his citizens and cares for them.”We are here to thank you for matching words with action,” he stated.

He recalled that the retirees appealed to the governor to return them to the DBS and were told the matter would be looked into. “Within two weeks of our discussion, you granted our request,” he said. “Our colleagues in Lagos State are still fighting for theirs, while our amiable governor has settled ours here in Edo State.”

The association’s Secretary, Mr. Aikpitanyi Felix, said words of thanks were not enough for what the governor had done. He said the retirees would turn their appreciation into votes in 2027.

He said the retirees are ready to mobilise support and canvass votes to help deliver the 2.5 million votes the governor has promised President Tinubu.

This struggle began under the last administration, which failed to listen to us while we continued to suffer “You have come to develop the state’s infrastructure, but also to develop its people.” He added.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo said his administration’s priority is to develop Edo State and improve the welfare of its people.

“I was voted for because of the plight of Edo people, and I am in the office to solve the challenges facing them, You voted for me to develop Edo State, and that is exactly what I am doing. Anything that will not benefit Edo people, I will not do it.”

The governor described President Tinubu as a father who cares for Edo people, adding that the President’s support has made many of his administration’s achievements possible.

“The President cares for us. That is why, whenever I am making a decision, I consult him, and when he gives me the go-ahead, I proceed, i asked the President about your issue, and he gave me the go-ahead.”

By Our Correspondent

A human rights organisation, Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, Anambra state chapter, Monday, commended the Senator representing Anambra State Central Senatorial Zone, Chief Victor Umeh, for championing the cause of the Igbo race.

Making the commendation in Awka, state capital, the group added that Umeh extended his rare display of patriotism, courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the welfare, wellbeing and best interest of Nigerians in general.

In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, Comrade Chidi Mbah, Secretary, and Comrade Peter Oke, member, titled: “Future Generations Will Not Ask You Which Political Party You Belonged To, But What Did You Do When The Glaciers Were Melting,” CLO described Umeh as God-sent.

CLO stated that it has followed with keen interest and admiration the legislative and humanitarian interventions of Senator Umeh since his assumption of office, and has found him worthy of commendation.

“We wish to place on record our profound gratitude and appreciation to Senator Victor Umeh for championing the cause of socio-economic justice, equity, equality and egalitarianism in a country where injustice and inequality have become endemic.

“He has proven beyond reasonable doubt that politics should be about service to the people and not about self-aggrandizement. He is a fanatic when it comes to the welfare, security and prosperity of the people he represents and Nigerians at large,” CLO stated.

It said that history will be kind to Senator Umeh for being in the forefront of the prolonged struggle and legislative advocacy that led to the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

“At a time when many were silent, Senator Umeh spoke loudly, clearly and courageously. He moved motions, sponsored bills, organized stakeholders and mobilized his colleagues to understand why SEDC was not a favour but a necessity and a matter of justice for a zone ravaged by civil war, abandoned after the war and devastated by erosion. Today, SEDC is a reality. Future generations of Ndi Igbo will remember his role,” the Organisation noted.

CLO also recalled with appreciation, Senator Umeh’s timely intervention against the indiscriminate demolition of shops and business premises belonging to Igbos in some parts of the country, particularly in Lagos.

“He refused to be silent in the face of oppression. He stood with the traders, visited them, raised the matter on the floor of the Senate and demanded justice and compensation. That is what true representation means.

“Similarly, when the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug market, one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in Africa, was closed for months, subjecting traders, patients and the entire health sector to untold hardship, Senator Umeh was among the first to condemn the prolonged closure and to call for a more humane, dialogue-driven and regulatory approach rather than collective punishment”, he revealed.

The human rights body noted that in the Senate, Senator Umeh has consistently spoken against every intended marginalization or exclusion of the Southeast in the national budget, Federal infrastructure allocation, political appointments, and security architecture.

“His eagle eyes and courageous voice have ensured that many items that would have been omitted or under-allocated to the Southeast were restored. His interventions have helped tremendously in ensuring that what is legitimately and constitutionally due to the Southeast is not denied. He has made the Southeast to be seen, heard and counted,” CLO added.

CLO further disclosed that Senator Umeh, alongside Senator Osita Izunaso, jointly raised a motion of urgent national importance on the devastating erosion menace in the Southeast, describing erosion as the greatest ecological threat to the survival of the zone.

“That motion is today receiving urgent and immediate attention from the Federal Government and development partners. Likewise, when the Southeast was initially excluded from the National Railway Modernization Programme, Senator Umeh spoke vehemently against such exclusion, describing it as unjust and economically unwise. His protest and legislative lobbying led to the prompt inclusion of the Southeast in the railway master plan,” the statement said.

CLO stated further that Senator Umeh believes strongly in the timeless wisdom of global icon Dr. Nelson Mandela who said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” and “To educate the children of the poor is to liberate them from poverty.”

“It is on record that Senator Umeh’s educational empowerment is unequalled. Thousands of students in Anambra Central have benefited from his scholarship scheme, bursary awards for undergraduates,free JAMB/ WAEC registration, distribution of educational materials, school uniforms, desks, and facilitation of classroom blocks and ICT centres. He understands that to invest in education is to invest in the future,” CLO noted.

Beyond legislation, CLO said Senator Umeh has distinguished himself in constituency projects and humanitarian services.

“His road construction and rehabilitation projects across the seven local government areas of Anambra Central speak for themselves. Communities that were hitherto inaccessible are now connected.

“More touching is his housing programme for indigent widows. He has built and donated fully furnished bungalows to poor widows who had no roof over their heads, thereby restoring their dignity and hope.

“He has also rendered and is still rendering selfless services to various religious organizations, Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches, to schools, hospitals, youth organizations and the less privileged. He does not discriminate,” CLO stated.

CLO concluded that Senator Umeh has lived beyond expectations and has redefined legislative representation in Nigeria.

“He has shown that a legislator should be a legislator of the people, by the people and for the people. He has shown that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to speak truth to power despite fear.

We therefore call on other political leaders, Senators, members of House of Representatives, State Assembly members, Local Government vhairmen and political appointees, to emulate Senator Victor Umeh’s model of selfless, courageous, people-oriented and God-fearing leadership.

“Posterity will not ask us which political party we belonged to. Posterity will ask us what we did when our people were suffering, when our region was marginalized and when our democracy was threatened,” CLO concluded.