Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia was born on 15th May 1966, in Mbangur, Mbadede, Vandeikya local government area of Benue State. He was ordained a Catholic Priest on 7th July 1990, by Bishop Athanasius Atule Usuh of Makurdi Catholic Diocese. 

Political Career:

On May 29th, His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hycienth Iormen Alia was sworn in as the 6th democratically elected governor of Benue state

Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia became the second Roman Catholic Priest to be elected governor of a State in Nigeria after emerging victorious in the Benue State gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023.

In May 2022, he declared his interest in the political office of the governor of Benue State and emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue State. Which resulted in his suspension from his priestly faculties by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, a place he was serving.

He has meritoriously contributed in various leadership capacities at:

1. Parochial Vicar St John’s Parish Gboko, 
2. Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral Makurdi.
3. Director of Pastoral Services, Catholic Health Services, North Campus Lauderdale Lakes, Florida USA.
4. Chaplain at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
5. Chaplain at St Joseph Mercy Health System Ann Arbor.
6. Coordinator and Chaplain at Jamaica Hospital and Medical Queens, New York.
7. Director of Pastoral Services, Catholic Health Service, North Campus Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, United States of America.

Hyacinth Iormem Alia is a member of the:

1. National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
2. CatholicHealth Service System Wide Ethics Committee, and
3. Broward Ethics Committee.

Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s Educational Background:

2005: Doctorate in Biomedical Ethics from Duquesne University, Pennsylvania, USA.

2004: Master’s Degree in Biomedical Ethics from Duquesne University, Pennsylvania, USA.

1999: Master’s Degree in Religious Education (Psychology and Counseling) at Fordham University, Bronx, New York City, USA.

1990: Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos in 1990.

1987: Diploma in Religious Studies at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos.

1983: Secondary School Certificate at St. James Minor Seminary, Makurdi in 1983.First School Leaving Certificate from St. Francis Primary School, Agidi, Mbatiav in Gboko local government area of Benue State.

Education:

1. Doctor of Philosophy, PhD
   Commonwealth University, Belize – Distant learning
2. Masters in Public Administration in 2004
   Benue State University, BSU
3. Masters in Public Administration in 2004
   Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
4. Idah Secondary Commercial College, Idah now in Kogi State in 1976 to 1979
   ( Dropped out due to inability to pay school fees)
5. St. Catherine’s Primary School, Makurdi – 1974 to 1976
6. St. John’s Primary School, Gboko – 1970 to 1974

Other qualifications:

1. Advanced Diploma in Personnel Management – 2001
2. Diploma in Journalism – 1998
3. National School of Salesmanship, Manchester
4. General Certificate of Education, GCE (Ordinary Level)
   – Certificates by correspondence
5. Diploma in Salesmanship
   – Certificates by correspondence

Work Experience:

Ortom resigned as Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investments in October, 2014 to contest for Governor of Benue State on the platform of the PDP. When he couldn’t pick that party’s ticket, he decamped to the All Progressives Congress, APC, where he eventually won the governorship election on April 11, 2015.

1. Chairman, Capital Prints Limited
2. Chairman, Achieve Engineering Limited
3. Patron, Independent Print-Media Publishers Association of Nigeria, IPPAN
4. National President, Independent Print-Media Publishers Association of Nigeria, IPPAN
5. Gyado Foods Co. Limited – Salesman to Sales Manager
6. Driver
7. Gboko Motor Park

Political appointments:

1. Appointed Supervising Aviation Minister
2. Appointed Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investments,
   Federal Republic of Nigeria
   From: 11th July 2011
3. National Auditor, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – March 2008- June 2011
4. Chairman, Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON –  2009 to June 2011
5. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Benue State; Director of Administration and Logistics of the Goodluck and Sambo Presidential Campaign Organization in 2011
6. Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Benue State – 2004 to 2008
7. Director of Operations of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Suswam and Lawani Campaign Organization gubernatorial campaign in Benue State in 2007
8. State Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Benue State
9. State Treasurer of the All People’s Party, APP
10. State Publicity Secretary of National Center Party of Nigeria, NCPN

Elected:

1. Elected Governor of Benue State – 29th May 2015 to present.
   (All People’s Party, APP)
2. Elected National Auditor of the PDP
   (People Democratic Party, PDP)
3. Elected as Executive Chairman, Guma Local Government Area in 1991 to 1993
   (Social Democratic Party, SDP)
   

Business:

1. Oracle Business Limited
2. Oracle Oil Mills
3. Oracle Printing Press
4. Oracle Farms Limited

Oracle Business Limited Foundation:

A Foundation that has retained the services of Bishop Murray Medical Centre, and Rahama Hospital, Gboko Road, in Makurdi for the free treatment of patients suffering from hernia and snake bites.

1. The foundation reaches out to prison inmates.
2. Another outreach of the foundation is ‘Oracle Driving School’

Awards:

• Best Performing Local Government Chairman, 1992.
• Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW

Family Status:

Married to Chief Mrs. Eunice Erdoo Ortom
And, blessed with 10 children and many grand children

Hobbies:

Gardening, Badminton, Reading, Philanthropy, Farming, Mentoring, Aerobics, and Evangelism

Contact:

Website: samuelortom.com
Twitter: samuelortom

Education:

He successfully defended his PhD thesis at the University of Jos.

1. Masters in Public Administration
   University of Abuja
2. Masters in Law, University of Jos
3. Bachelor of Law
   Nigerian Law School, Lagos – 1990
4. LL.B Degree
   University of Lagos, Faculty of Law – 1986 to 1989
5. Government College Makurdi, GCM – 1976 to 1982
6. St.Andrew’s Secondary School, Adikpo.
7. NKST Primary School, Zaki-Biam, Benue State.

Work experience:

Hon. Gabriel Suswam later resigned from private legal practice and ventured into Politics

1. Suswam, Ogbole and Co., Abuja
2. He established his own Law firm, Tingir & Associates, Lagos – 1994
3. Tokode and Company, Lagos
4. He worked for other law firms from 1990 to 1994, while continuing his studies.
5. He was called to the bar that year in 1990.

Elected:

1. Re-elected Governor of Benue State
   Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – 26th April 2011 to 29th May 2015
2. Elected Governor of Benue State
   Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – May, 2007 to 26th April 2011
3. Re-elected House Of Representative seat to represent:
   Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo Federal Constituency
   Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – 2003
4. Elected House Of Representative seat to represent:
   Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo Federal Constituency
   Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – 1999

Appointments:

1. Chairman, Lobi Stars Football Club
2. Chairman, House Committee on Power – August 2005
3. Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation
4. Chairman, House Committee on FCT
5. Chairman of the House Services Committee

Family Status:

Married to Architect Yemisi Dooshima Suswam
And blessed with children.

Qualification and Education:

1. Certificate in Management 1988
2. Masters Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR)
   The University of Ibadan – 1986
3. Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology
   The University of Ibadan – 1978
4. St. Louis College (Advanced Level) 1973
5. Government Secondary School, Otobi
   (Now Model Science School, Otukpo) 1967 – 1971
6. Native Authority (NA) Primary School, Wannune 1960 – 1966

National Service:

National Youth Service Corps, NYSC – 1978 to 1979
(He taught at the Advanced Teachers College, now College of Education, Akwanga, Nasarawa State).

Political Career:

1. Chairman Senate Committee on Army and a ranging member of senate (Hero of Democracy)
2. Elected Senate
   On the platform of All Progressive Congress, APC – 2015 to present
3. Minority Leader – June 2011 to June 2015
4. Re-elected, Senator for Benue North-West
   On the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN – April 2011 to 2015
5. Elected Senator, Benue North-West
   On the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN – 2007 to April 2011
6. Re-elected, Executive Governor of Benue State – 2003 to 2007
7. Elected Governor of Benue State – 29th May 1999 to 2003

Governor Akume made his entry to politics as a registered member of the defunct Congress for National Consensus, CNC but after the sudden demise of General Sani Abacha on 8th June 1998, all political structures set up by the late General were dismantled, providing Akume with the new opportunity to actively participate in the formation of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP where he contested on the platform and won, becoming Benue’s fourth Executive Governor of Benue State.

Working Career:

Akume voluntarily retired from the Public Service to participate fully in partisan politics 1998

1. Permanent Secretary
   (Establishments and Management Services) – 1995 to 1998
2. Director-General
   Secondment at the Federal Ministry of Education – 1996
3. Lagos as Deputy Director 1994 and 1995
   Secondment at the Federal Ministry of Education – 1994 and 1995
4. Sole Administrator of Gboko Local Government Area
5. Sole Administrator of Idah (Now in Kogi State)
6. Principal Secretary,
   Under Secretary and Director of Personnel Management – 1994
7. Assistant Secretary,
   Research and Policy Analysis (REPA), Governor’s Office
8. Land Officer with the Benue State Civil Service.

Special Assignments handled:

1. Secretary/Chairman, White Paper Drafting Committees
2. Secretary, Gboko Local Government Council area

Appointments:

1. Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) – 1988

Honoree Awards:

1. Most Distinguished Alumnus (MDA)
2. University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA)
3. Distinguished Humanist Award by the Faculty of Arts, U.I
4. Best Performing PDP Governor from the North Central Zone
5. Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
6. Fellow of the Sociological Association of Nigeria
7. He is also a recipient of the Key to the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

Member of:

1. The great Tedder Hall of Fame, University of Ibadan

Guest lecturer:

1. University of Ibadan, Alumni Guest Lecturer 2004

Family status:

Happily married to Regina Akume, and blessed with children.

Countries he has visited:

United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Cuba, Ghana, Israel, India, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and Jamaica.

He held many important military positions, these include Adjutant of 31 Infantry Battalion (1971-72), Instructor, 4 Division Training School (1972-73), Instructor, Army Training School, Jaji (1975-77), Staff Officer, AHQ, Lagos (1977-80). He was sent to UN mission in Lebanon (1980-81). He also commended Nigeria Army Physical education Training School (1985-87), Directing Staff, Command and Staff College, Jaji (1987-89), Directing Staff, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Teshe, Ghana (1989-91), he also commanded 82 Motorized Infantry Brigade, Kano (1993-95). He was in Liberia as 16 Battalion Commander,Nigerian ECOMOG contigent. He was Director Administration, Training & Doctrine Command.

Col Dominic Oneya, was appointed Military Administrator of Benue State in August of 1998 as he swapped places with Col. Isa Kontagora who took over in Kano during the transition government of Gen Abubakar Abdulsalami. His orders were to prepare a smooth handover to the incoming civilian administration.

He has been a key player in the sports sector as he was appointed the Chairman of Nigeria Football Association in year 2000.

Col Isa Kontagora was appointed Military Administrator of Benue State by Gen Sani Abacha from August,1996 to August 1998. During his two years stint in Benue, he completed the Arts Theatre complex started by late Gov Aper Aku with Engr Felix Atume as his Commissioner for Works. He opened up many areas in Makurdi, he also executed a lot rural electrification projects and small towns water schemes. He was redeployed to Kano State in August,1998.

He was retired by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. He is a member of the ruling PDP in Niger State.

He held many positions in the air force, these included Officer Commanding Armament Squadron, Central Logistics Wing, Lagos (July, 1976-March, 1978), officer Commanding, Armament Sub-Depot, NAF station, Kaduna (1981-82), Staff Officer (works), NAF Hqtrs(1983-85), Staff Officer (Armament) NAF Hqtrs (1985-87) and Commander, Central Armament Depot, Makurdi. Director, Armament, NAF Hqtrs (1990-93). In 1993, he was posted to Defence Industries Corporation, Kaduna as Director of Production.

On the 9th of December, he was appointed as the Military Administrator of Benue State by Gen Sanni Abacha, the position he held until August, 1996. Even though he stayed for almost three years, he did not achieve nothing commensurate with the resources and the period he spent.

Nothing is heard about Group Captain Obademi upon his retirement shortly after leaving Benue State.

Col Aminu Isa Kontagora, was born in Kontagora some 58 years ago in Kontagora LGA of Niger State. He was trained as an artillery officer in various military institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

Col Isa Kontagora was appointed Military Administrator of Benue State by Gen Sani Abacha from August,1996 to August 1998. During his two years stint in Benue, he completed the Arts Theatre complex started by late Gov Aper Aku with Engr Felix Atume as his Commissioner for Works. He opened up many areas in Makurdi, he also executed a lot rural electrification projects and small towns water schemes. He was redeployed to Kano State in August,1998.
He was retired by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. He is a member of the ruling PDP in Niger State.

Education:

1. Post humosly honoured with a doctorate degree by Benue State University, BSU
2. Masters of Religious Education
   Catholic University of America, Washington DC – 1976 to 1978
3. Masters Degree
   St. John’s University, New York – 1975 to 1976
4. Bachelor’s degree in Divinity, affiliated Propaganda Fide
   St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos – 1969 to 1972
5. St. James Junior Seminary, Keffi – 1966 to 1968

Political Career:

1. Elected as Second Executive Governor, Benue State
   On the ticket of the Social Democratic Party, SDP – 2nd January 1992
   (He left office after the military coup in November 1993 which General Sani Abacha came to power).

Rev Fr. Moses Adasu was elected Governor of Benue State on the 2nd of January, 1992. His tenor of two years was very impactful on the citizenry.

Work experience:

1. Teacher
   Teachers colleges, Jos.
2. Teacher
   Teachers colleges, Otukpo local government area, Benue State.
3. Teacher
   Teachers colleges, Adikpo, Kwande local government area, Benue State.
4. Teacher
   College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Katsina-Ala local government area, Benue State.
5. Teacher
   College of Education, Akwanga.

Member:

1. Benue Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board
2. Benue State Prerogative of Mercy
3. Advisory Council of the Episcopal Council on African Traditional Religion and Board of Governors, College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
4. Dean, Makurdi Deanery
5. Vicar General, Makurdi Diocese.

Achievements:

1. He actualized Benue State University, BSU Makurdi local government area, Benue State on 27th December 1991.
2. He reactivated and upgraded College of Education, Oju local government area, Benue State.
3. He conceived and established J S Tarka Foundation, Makurdi, Benue State.
4. He started BENCO Roofing Tiles Industry
5. He started Katsina-Ala Fruit Juice Processing Company, Benue State.

Appointments:

1. Head of one of the National Convention Committees for the Alliance for Democratic, AD – September, 2004
2. Inspector of education in the Benue State Ministry of Education
3. Member of Independent Corrupt Practices and
   other Related Offences Commission – 1999 to 2002

In 2002, he resigned from the ICPC to contest 2003 governorship election on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy, AD but failed to clinch the position as he lost to incumbent, Gov George Akume of People’s Democratic Party, PDP. He died on the 20th Nov, 2006 and was Post humosly honoured with a doctorate degree by the Benue State University.

He was Commander,142 Infantry Battalion, Nigeria Army and Staff Officer Military Secretary’s Office, AHQ. In 1987, he was Deputy Defence Adviser, Nigeria Embassy, Cameroon.

General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB appointed Lt Col Fidelis Makka, Military Governor of Benue State between July 1988 to January, 1992. He was very energetic and committed to transparency. He completed many projects started by Gov Aper Aku. He completed the stadium, built and completed IBB Square in Makurdi. He completed all the 8 general hospitals started by Aku. He also built a befitting library in Makurdi, built women and children centre. He also constructed some township roads and executed some electrification projects.

He attended many military courses which included the following; Artillery Troop Commanders Course, USSR (1970-71),Young Officers Course, Noweshera, Pakistan (1972). Technical Gunnery Course, Larkhill, Salisbury, UK. Field Artillery officers Advanced Course, Oklahoma, USA. Command & Staff College,(1978-79), Regiment Battalion Commanders Course, Nigeria Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna.

He held so many command positions while in service. These include the following; Troop Commander, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Onitsha. Commander, 2nd Field Artillery Regent (rear), Ibadan, Company 82 Infantry Battalion, UNLFIL, Lebanon, 1980, Commanding Officer, Short Service Course, NDA, Kaduna.

He was appointed Military Governor of Benue State in 1988. He too stayed briefly and therefore could not achieve much.

He was appointed Military Governor of Benue State in Sept 1986 and by Dec of 1987, he was replaced. He too did not achieve much because of the short period of his rule.

He held many other military command and staff positions. These include, company commander and battalion commander in the infantry during the civil war. He was appointed commander 41 Engineers Brigade, Kaduna, Senior Operations Officer, Operational Engineering. He served in UNIFIL peacekeeping in Lebanon (1980-81), Directing Staff at CASC, Jaji (1981-83), Colonel, General & Army Headquarters. In 1987, he was appointed Field Commander of ECOMOG in Liberia. His last military assignment was Principal Staff officer to the Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Oladipo Diya. He retired and quietly enjoying his retirement.

Due to his hard work, he gained admission into the Nigeria Defence Academy and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. He saw action during the Nigerian civil war. He held many other posts including Colonel General Staff, 2nd Mechanized Division, Ibadan. While in Ibadan, he read law at the University of Ibadan and completed his studies at the Nigeria Law School and was called to the bar in 1985. In 1985, he was appointed Governor of Gongola state, now comprising Adamawa and Taraba states.

In August 1986, he was appointed Military Governor of Benue State and by the next month, he was out. Understandably, because of the brevity of his tenor, nothing tangible is attributed to him.

He retired in 1986 and went into private legal practice in Kaduna. He helped a lot of low income people with free legal services. His most notable case was the treason case involving Gen. Zamani Lekwot. He later joined the PDP as legal advisor. He died on the 21st of May, 2006 after a brief illness in a London Hospital.

He enlisted as an officer cadet at the Military Training School, Kaduna. He proceeded to Uertesen in the then, West Germany for flying training (1965-66) and further training at the Nigerian Defense Academy. He was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1969 and promoted Lieutenant in 1970. He immediately went to Denver,Colorado, USA for Supply Operations (Logistics). He was promoted to Captain in 1972 and Major in 1975. In 1975, he was promoted Wing Commander and served in many formations.

In August of 1985 he was appointed Military Governor of Benue State by the Gen Ibrahim Babangida. He served for barely one year but made some achievements in the area of township roads in Makurdi and he improved the welfare of civil servants. He was transferred to Gongola State in August of 1986.

In 1990, he voluntarily retired from the Airforce with the rank of Air Commondore. He enrolled for a Bachelor of Divinity at Theological College of Northern Nigeria in (2000-2002).

In 2007, he successfully contested and won the governorship seat of Plateau State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) and reelected in 2011. He is providing quality infrastructures in his state in spite of the distraction by religious fanatics & settlers.

He had his military training in Ethiopia and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1965. His military positions include, Engrs Brigade Commander, Squadron Commander, Regimental Commander and Commander Corps of Engineers.

He participated in Major Kaduna Nzeagwu’s coup of 1966 which failed but led to the emergence of Gen Ironsi as the head of state.

He was appointed the Governor of old Anambra state in March 1976-July 1978 by the Obasanjo’s military administration. He also appointed Commandant, Army School of Engineers Headquarters and then, Director of Manpower, Army Headquarters.

On the 4th of January, 1984, he was appointed Military Governor of Benue State. He was better known for strict enforcement of the sanitation edict as soldiers flogged citizens who flouted orders. He was said to have met the treasury empty and left empty.

Twice in 1974, he wrote petitions against the then Military Governor of old Benue – Plateau State, accusing him of nepotism and financial wrongdoings and filed affidavits to that effect. Gowon however dismissed those allegations and instead ordered for his detention. Fortunately, General Gowon’s successor, Gen Murtala vindicated him by establishing the veracity of the allegations.

Education:

1. Attended a Postgraduate Course
   Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 1965 to 1966
2. First Universit Sec Schy in Modern Africa,
   Fourah Bay University, Sierra Leone – 1961 to 1964
3. Nigerian College of Arts and Science
   Now, Ahmadu Bello University – 1958 to 1961
4. Government College Keffi – 1952 to 1957
5. Senior Primary School, Mkar – 1948 to 1951
6. Aku Primary School between – 1943 to 1947

Work experience:

1. Joined Federal Government
   External Aid for Education and the Federal Ministry of Establishment – 1968
2. Teacher
   William Bristow Secondary School, Gboko Local Government Area
3. Teacher
   Bauchi Provincial Secondary School
4. Teacher
   Government Secondary School, Gombe

Appointments:

1. Member
   Governing Council, University of Ibadan – 1972 – 1976
2. Principal
   Federal Training Centre, Kaduna – 1970 – 1972

Political Position:

Governor Aku and other civilian administration in Nigeria were swept away by the military coup of General Muhammadu Buhari in 1983, he was detained after the coup and later released by General Ibrahim Babangida’s Administration.

1. Re-Elected Governor of Benue State
   On the ticket of National Party of Nigeria, NPN – 1983
2. Elected Governor of Benue State
   On the ticket of National Party of Nigeria, NPN – October 1st, 1979
   (First Civilian Governor of Benue State)
3. Elected Chairman
   Kwande Local Government Area – 1977 – 1978

Member:

1. Governing Council of the University of Ibadan – 1972 to 1976

Achievements:

Due to the long history of neglect of our beloved home, Benue State, Governor Aku was faced with lots of challenges of poor infrastructure on ground.

He divided Benue State into Four development zones. revolutionised agriculture as the state witnessed bumper harvests during time.

He established:

1. Teachers Colleges, Oju Local Government Area,
2. Teachers College, Makurdi Local Government Area, and
3. University of Technology, Makurdi Local Government Area
4. Benue Printing and Publishing Company, Makurdi
   (Publishers of the ‘The Voice’)
5. Twenty Two Agro-service centres in Benue State.
6. Benue State Agricultural Development Corporation, BSADC.
7. One Hundred and Twenty Five Day Secondary Schools in Benue State.
8. Advanced Teacher College, Ankpa.
9. Advanced Teacher College, Oju local government area.
10. Advanced Teacher College, Makurdi local government area.
11. Raised status of Advanced Teacher’s College Katsina-Ala to a College Of Education.

He initiated and executed a lot of projects, these include:

1. Benue Breweries Limited completed by Aku in 1982
2. Benro Packaging Company had full support of Benue State Government with 50% shares.
3. Benue Bottling Company, 1980
4. Lobi Bank
5. Ber-Agbum Fish Farm
6. Ikyogen Cattle Range
7. Taraku Vegetable Oil Mills
8. Benue International Hotel, Makurdi
9. International Modern Market
10. The State Secretariat.
11. Benue Burnt Bricks, Otukpo Local Government
12. Benue State Shereton 5 stars Hotel
    (Regarded by many as 3 wonders of Benue State)

Construction projects:

1. He constructed Makurdi roads with street lights
2. He started the construction of Arts Theatre Complex
3. He started the construction of the stadium
4. He started the construction of Seven Cottage Hospitals across Benue state

Governor Aku’s administration witnessed the successful holding of Benue’s first trade fair organised by Benue State chambers of commerce with great assistance of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He was appointed Military Governor of Benue State in 1978, the position he held till he handed over to the civilian administration in October, 1979. He did not initiate any new projects probably because of the transition and the brief period of his tenor.

He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1965. In 1973 he was at the Forth Leavenworth, Kansas, USA 1973-1974 and appointed Colonel, General Staff in Hq. 2nd Infantry Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan. He participated in the July,1975 coup that ousted Gen. Yakubu Gowon and was appointed , Principal Staff Officer, Supreme Headquarters, Lagos.

General Murtala Mohammed appointed Military Governor of Benue State on the 3rd of February,1976. He had a difficult task of creating a functioning state machinery with an ethnically mixed and politically dissatisfied population. Among his achievements, he built houses for civil servants and established schools and colleges including Murtala College of Arts & Science. He initiated Benue Breweries in Makurdi, Idah Sanitary Wares Industry, Otukpo Burnt Bricks. Most of his establishments took off on temporary sites, thus piling up problems for future administrations. He was seriously criticized for destroying the mini Makurdi Stadium.

He’s since retired and playing active role in Arewa Consultative Forum, a socio-cultural organization and an elder of the ruling PDP in his home state of Adamawa.