Benue Assembly confirms 13 commissioner-nominees

•State CAN Chairman seeks sanctions for erring PFN members 

BENUE State House of Assembly has confirmed the list of thirteen commissioner nominees earlier sent to them by Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom.

Those confirmed by the state lawmakers to serve in the Cabinet of Benue State are, Barr. Michael Gusa, (Gwer), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Vandeikya), Dr. Tersoo Kpelai (Ukum), Mr. James Anbua (Logo) and Engr. Nicolas Wende (Kwande).

Others confirmed as Commissioners include, Barr. Mrs. Mwuese Mnyim (Makurdi), Mr. Emmanuel Manger (Tarka), Mr. Sekav Iortyom (Buruku), Barr. John Onoja and Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ojabo (Okpokwu). The list also include, Mr. Lawrence Onoja (Jnr), (Ohimini), Mr. David Olofu, (Apa), and Ode Agi from Obi local government area.

Meanwhile, in reaction to the crisis in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN Benue State Chapter over emergence of its new leadership, the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Yiman Orkwagh has warned those fanning the embers of resentment in the organization for selfish ends to desist or be sanctioned.

Speaking after the confirmation of the Commissioner nominees, the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange charged the Commissioner designates to cooperate with the House standing committees during oversight functions when finally inaugurated, by availing them all the necessary documents that may be required for better governance.

Mr. Ikyange decried the situation where by Commissioners soon after confirmation and inauguration, turn to look at standing committees of the House as intruders in the business of governance, saying the eighth Assembly will not tolerate that attitude from any cabinet member.

Archbishop Orkwagh, who gave the warning while speaking with The Guardian said as far as PFN in Benue, is concerned, the new Chairman of PFN in the state is Bishop Mike Angour, insisting that he has been legally elected to oversee the affairs of the organization in the state.

He explained that the purported election of Bishop Benjamin Kurudu in October 2014 was declared null and void by the national secretariat of the PFN following a protest by members that some illegal members of the Advisory Board were brought in to participate in that election.

He stated that since Angour has been recognized by the national secretariat of PFN, as the state Chairman, the former state Chairman of PFN, Pastor Tor Uja and his candidate, Bishop Benjamin Kurudu should quietly cue behind to so as to reposition the state PFN.

Archbishop Orkwar however, said CAN as an umbrella body, had advised the new executive led by Pastor Mike Angour to extend hands of fellowship to every member including the aggrieved ones to be able to foster unity in the ranks of PFN in the state. He averred that the decision of the national leadership remains final and above individual interests.