Benue Govt sets up transition committee

The Benue State Government on Wednesday set-up a transition committee that will prepare the handover to the incoming administration on May 29, 2023.

Governor Samuel Ortom who presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi announced the composition of the committee.

The committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Tony Ijohor, with all members of the State Executive Council included.

The Director of the EXCO, Mr Bartholomew Aondoaver Ageraga, will serve as secretary of the committee.

Governor Ortom said the committee is expected to come up with its report within three weeks.

Governor Ortom blamed the security agencies for militarising last Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state.

He recalled how people were intimidated and tortured and even killed in some places by the security forces deployed by the Federal Government.

He said the party was studying the outcome of the election results as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and will soon make its position known to the public.

Ortom urged the people of the state to remain peaceful, adding that his administration is committed to the cause of peace.

INEC had declared a Catholic priest and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Reverend Fr Hyacinth Alia, winner of the March 18 governorship election.

Governor Ortom who is expected to complete his second tenure this year, would be handing over to the governor-elect on May 29, 2023.