By Margaret Oraza
Benue State Government has presented nine IVM Sub Urban Vehicles (AUV) to traditional rulers for smooth running of activities in their domains.
Presenting the vehicles recently, the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Kenneth Achabo, at the Bureau premises, said the presentation is a clear manifestation of Governor Samuel Ortom’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers.
“Since he came on board, they have purchased close to a hundred vehicles to enable traditional rulers work smoothly in administering their traditional activities in their domains,” he said.
Achabo commended the government for making the traditional rulers jobs easier, as a clear indication that the Governor has placed premium on them, even as he has invested his confidence and trust in them to do their jobs effectively.
He further explained that soon, the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko, which is a centre of tourism, given that it is one of the best and biggest palace in Nigeria will be commissioned. He noted that it was another good work of the governor, pointing out that already, the Bureau has started preliminary work on the Och’Idoma’s palace and the renovation will be completed by 1st quarter of 2022.
Speaking further, Barr Achabo said vacant traditional stools in the state will be filled.
“In two weeks time, the Bureau will be commencing selection for vacant positions in Zone C which has over 300 vacant stools, and it’s the desire of the Bureau that those stools will be filled up in the next one or two months and proceed to Zones A and B to initiate same,” he maintained.
Achabo further explained that in the history of the state, it’s the first time all traditional rulers have been given official vehicles to enable them do their jobs; especially in promoting peace and harmony in the society, urging them to make judicious use of the vehicles.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the Ada Okpokwu, Chief James Okefe, thanked God for protecting the governor from the hands of the enemies of the state and promised not to allow herders violate the open grazing law established by the state government.
Okefe who also thanked the special adviser for the gesture, assuring that they will use the vehicles to maintain peace and order, prayed God to give the governor, as well as the Special Adviser the grace to do their jobs diligently.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Ortom on Project Management and Evaluation, Dave Orshi, urged the traditional leaders to work assiduously, in sustaining security in their areas.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Mr Elvis Attah, challenged the traditional leaders to enhance their roles in tackling insecurity and other vices in their areas, adding that the Ortom led administration has given the highest level of attention to traditional rulers. In all, nine vehicles were presented, one for the second class chief and eight for the third class chiefs.
