By Kunle Sanni –
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has taken decisive steps to honour the state’s history while exercising clemency powers, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking Benue’s 50th anniversary.
Speaking on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Makurdi, Alia announced that the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, who created Benue State on February 3, 1976, would be formally immortalised in recognition of his pivotal role in the state’s creation.
He emphasised that recognising past leaders and distinguished citizens is essential to preserve their legacies for future generations.
In line with this, the governor approved the renaming of the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation after the late veteran journalist and columnist, Chief Dan Agbese. The agency will now be called the Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation.
Alia also disclosed that other notable indigenes, both living and deceased, would be honoured through the naming of public institutions and legacy projects. Those listed include the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Senator Suemo Chia, General Atom Kpera, and the late Tashaku Oradi, among others.
Beyond commemorating the state’s pioneers, the governor exercised his prerogative of mercy by granting clemency to 14 inmates serving various jail terms. He also reduced the sentence of one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, from 10 years to four years.
The inmates granted clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Iorpenda Christian, Aondowaae Terlumun, Oriba John, Sughnen Terfa James, Akaahar Isaac, Ordam Thankgod, Gwayem Agba James, and Iorfa Terkimbi.
