By Florence Ugbem
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has pleaded with the Benue State University Community to seek dialogue as a means of resolving their grievances, in order for the ongoing national Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike to be called off so that academic activities can resume at the institution.
Governor Ortom made the plea Sunday at the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, BSU campus Makurdi, at the special thanksgiving service in honour of Prof. Msugh Kembe for the successful completion of his tenure as the 5th Vice Chancellor, Benue State University.
He stated that whatever grievances they have, it is necessary that they sit together and discuss so that all issues can be resolved.
“There is no need to go on strike when there is an avenue for dialogue,” he said.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Tony Ijohor SAN, the governor commended the outgoing VC, Prof. Kembe for his numerous achievements in the university, despite the challenges and called on the University community to give the in-coming VC, Prof. Joseph Iorapuu maximum support for the growth and development of the institution.
Delivering the sermon Rev. Father Emmanuel Dugeru, who read from John 14:15 explained that God holds the people in high esteem, especially when they keep his commandments.
Admonishimg Christians to let the word of God be their code of conduct, he stated that God has called the human race to love one another,.
Fr Dugeeu commended the outgoing VC and described him as a man of great faith that has run the University successfully in the last five years with numerous achievements to his name.
The outgone VC, Prof. Msugh Kembe in his thanksgiving speech, attributed his successes to God, recounting the numerous blessings, promotions, health and safety in the cause of five years.
Also, he thanked the visitor to the university, Governor Samuel Ortom for making his job as VC easy by providing an enabling environment in fulfilling his financial obligations to the university.
He thanked the Minister for Special Duties, Senator George Akume for his support, and also appreciated all members of Council, Management team of the university, the various unions on campus, staff and students for making his stay a memorable one and enjoined them to give same support to the in coming VC.
Present at the thanksgiving service were dignitaries from the university community among others such as; Minister Special Duties, Senator George Akume, former VC BSU, Prof. David Ker and former VC BSU, Prof. Akase Sorkaa’⁵
Others include, VC Federal University of Agriculture (FAUM) Makurdi, Prof. Richard Kimbir, former VC FUAM, Prof. Daniel Uza, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar as well as Mr Andrew Ayabam, Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).
