Benue marks low key independence

As the people of Benue State join their counterparts across the country to mark the day of the nation’s independence, the celebration in the state was however low key.

The Guardian’s visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB Public Square, which used to be the venue of the annual event, was however deserted, as the usual fanfare that used to accompany the historic event was not there.

Security presence, which was noticed at the venue in the early hours of the day subsequently disappeared when they noticed that the event was not going to be lively celebrated at the venue.

However, presence of eagle looking security men were noticed in strategic areas of Makurdi, the state capital keeping vigil for any eventuality.

But, Governor Samuel Ortom who was expected to address citizens of the state was absent and was said to be in the USA on an official trip.

Sources from the Benue Peoples House revealed that the governor had been in New York, U.S. for about a week with his wife, Enunice and might only be back to the state at the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Terkimbi Ikyange has expressed delight that at 55, the country had laid the foundation for national transformation in the political, economic and social sphere.

Ikyange in a goodwill message made available to The Guardian congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, his deputy, Benson Abounu and the entire people of the state on the occasion of Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day anniversary.

He attributed the progress so far made by the country to absolute determination and sacrifice of all Nigerians and sued for the sustenance of the spirit in the years ahead.

The Speaker said that this year’s independence celebration was significant to all Nigerians, particularly to the people of the state being the first since the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government took over the mantle of leadership both in the state and at the national level, adding that this would not have being possible without the dogged determination of Nigerians.