Samson Kukwa Yanor

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday held a parley in Makurdi with stakeholders and opinion leaders of the four suppressed state constituencies towards their possible restoration in compliance with court orders.

The four constituencies are; Gboko III (Central), Konshisha (Shangev Tiev), Makurdi III (South East) and Ukum III (Afia).

The parley tagged “stakeholders engagement on commencement of Technical Process towards Restoration of Suppressed state Constituencies” and had notable personalities like former Senator, Professor Daniel Saror, Senator Fred Orti, Prof Mvendaga Jibo, former Speaker (pro tempore) of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Terngu Tsegba amongst others interact with the commission and among other stakeholders for a seamless exercise.

INEC commissioner supervising Benue, Professor Sunday Ajah sued for the cooperation of stakeholders as well as the government and people of Benue state in order to fast track the process.

Similarly, the governor of Benue state Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia also charged the stakeholders to strengthen out all rough edges quickly to ensure that representatives are elected into the restored constituencies as soon as possible.

Alia who was represented by the deputy governor Dr Sam Ode cautioned that INEC is only complying with court orders in line with judgements passed and do not have the powers nor authority to alter delineated constituencies.

The governor sued for rancour free deliberations while also assuring INEC of the cooperation of the Benue state government to the success of the exercise