Redeem your pledge to IDPs in Benue, CAN urges FG
Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Chairman of the Benue state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Akpen Leva has called on the state governor to prevail on the federal government to redeem its financial pledge of resettling the displaced persons in the state.
Rev. Dr. Leva made the call when he led other officials of CAN on a courtesy visit to Governor Samuel Ortom at the Benue People’s House on Tuesday in Makurdi.
He said the call became necessary as the rains have set in while displaced persons still live in the various camps spread across the state.
“These people should not be made to continue living in the IDPs camps. It is not right that people with large families will be living on rationed food for the rest of their lives,” the chairman pointed out.
Our correspondent reports that a pledge of N10 billion was made by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo to the state for the settlement of IDPs last year on behalf of the federal government.
According to Rev. Leva, said it is time the state government takes mechanized farming seriously in order to enhance food production, adding that “this would also deter those who imagine the state has fallow land to be taken.
“Our large span of fertile land should be put to use maximally. It is because the farmers continue in subsistence farming that outsiders see our lands as empty,” Leva said.
The CAN chairman urged the governor to ensure the construction and commission of the cargo airport his administration embarked upon in its first term, pointing out that the airport would facilitate business in the state and provide jobs to unemployed youth in the state.
The CAN delegation also appealed to the governor to reconcile with all his political opponents for peace and stability in the state.
Gov. Ortom in his response, acknowledged the prayers of the Christian community in the state for his administration.
“You stood with us in the massive insecurity the state went through. That has reduced, but I am hoping it will completely stop soon,” Ortom said.
He said a trust, peace and reconciliation committee is been constituted to reconcile aggrieved politicians in the state, saying “my administration needs the contributions of every Benue indigene in the development task ahead.”
