Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has unveiled a series of legacy initiatives to mark Benue State’s 50th anniversary, including the immortalisation of past leaders and clemency for inmates.
Speaking during a live broadcast from Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday, Alia announced that the late former Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, the creator of Benue State in 1976, would be formally immortalised.
He stressed the importance of honouring individuals who laid enduring foundations for the state.
The governor also renamed the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation after veteran journalist and statesman Chief Dan Agbese.
Other distinguished indigenes, both past and present, will be honoured through legacy projects bearing their names, including the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac.
He said the list includes “the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Sen. Suemo Chia, Gen. Atom Kpera, late Tashaku Oradi among very many other distinguished indigenes of the state.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the governor also exercised the prerogative of mercy on inmates serving various jail terms across the state.
A total of 14 inmates were granted clemency, while one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his sentence reduced from 10 years to 4 years.
Those granted clemency are 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.
