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Benue Killings: Wike Blasts Defence Minister Over Remark …As CAN Laments Fulani Herdsmen Attacks
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said that the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali displayed high level of insensitivity for suggesting that the anti-grazing law in Benue State was the cause of killings in the state by Fulani herdsmen.
The minister, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, had said that the blockage of cattle routes across the country was the remote cause of the killings by herdsmen.
Dan-Ali had also said that the implementation of anti-open grazing law in some states was the immediate cause of the killings.
Speaking through the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah, Wike said: “So far, there is no indication that the state government is planning to create grazing routes or cattle colonies in the state.
“The statement by the minister only smacks of insensitivity on his (minister’s) part.
“Assuming that grazing routes were blocked, should killing become the next action?
“We are not in a jungle; we are a society of enlightened people. If there is a problem, people should come together, and find a solution to it and not take up arms and kill innocent people.”
He restated the resolve of the state government not to allow any cattle colony in the state, saying that the state does not have any spare land for Fulani herdsmen to graze their cattle.
Wike reiterated widespread position of well-meaning Nigerians that cattle rearing was the private business of those involved, and advised the Federal Government to allow owners of cattle to negotiate allocation of grazing ranches with land owners and community leaders who are willing to do so.
Meanwhile, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Supo Ayokunle has said that the country is passing through difficult times, considering recent killings of innocent Nigerians in some parts of the country.
Ayokunle who is also the President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC) stated this at the 13th Annual New Year Thanksgiving and Memorial Service, held at the Abraham’s Tabernacle (Baptist International Worship Centre), Sagamu, yesterday, organised by the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel.
The cleric said that the act of killings and destruction of property by suspected Fulani herdsmen is barbaric and unacceptable.
He urged Nigerians, especially Christians alike, to embrace and co-habit in a peaceful manner to end the bloodshed.
Ayokunle faulted claims that the killings had any political undertone, saying “you don’t play politics with the lives of human beings.
“Things are not working in the best way we have thought of. A very difficult time in the history of Nigeria especially the continuous bloodshed. The way it is happening now, it has almost not happened before.
“It is so barbaric, so unbelievable that in a nation with a government, things like that will continue to happen with reckless abandon. It is so unacceptable. We have been speaking about it. It is not a matter of politics, you don’t play politics with the lives of human beings.
“We have no other life to live. So all of you (Christians and Nigerians) have to be praying that our government is going to do the best and what is right so that this nation can experience peace because without peace there won’t be progress.
The former governor urged Nigerians to cultivate the act of thanksgiving, irrespective of situations confronting the country.
Dignitaries at the service include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Senator Iyiola Omisore and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.
Others were Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, Prince Rotimi Paseda, Alhaja Salmot Badru, Hon. Titi Oseni, Hon. Kayode Amusan, Engr Seyi Makinde, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi and Dr Eddy Olafeso, among others.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.