Hon. Solomon Wombo, the National Assembly member representing Sankera Constituency, has thanked Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for appointing Mbaiwo indigene Hon. James Ivever as chairman of the Benue State Local Government Service Commission.

Wombo described the appointment as recognition of the capacity and contributions of the people of Tongov and the wider Sankera area. He also commended the governor for appointing other sons and daughters of Tongov and Sankera, saying the appointments had given them opportunities to contribute to the state’s development.

He made the remarks at a reception organised by the Mbaiwo community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in honour of Ivever. The event was held at Tongov Community Secondary School in Amaafu.

Wombo praised the community for acknowledging the governor’s gesture by hosting the reception. He urged residents to reciprocate by supporting and voting for the governor and All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.

He also commended Ivever for his remarks at the event and his principled approach to public service, describing him as a dedicated public servant committed to doing things the right way. Wombo praised his leadership of the Local Government Service Commission and encouraged him to remain steadfast in carrying out his responsibilities.

The Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly and chairman of the occasion, Hon. Peter Ipusu, thanked the Mbaiwo community for honouring one of its sons. He also thanked Governor Alia for appointing Ivever and other people from Tongov, and assured the governor of the community’s support.

The chairlady of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Lydia Agaigbe, echoed Ipusu’s remarks and commended the community for organising the event.

Guest speaker Chief Hon. Benjamin Ashaver, Ph.D., said he was pleased that Ivever had been honoured. He called on community members to remain united in the interests of peace, development and progress.

The royal father of the day, Ter Katsina-Ala II, Chief Gbakaan Tativ, offered his blessings for the event’s success. He also appealed to youths involved in armed banditry and other social vices to surrender their weapons and accept the Benue State Government’s amnesty offer.

Speaking on behalf of the Contemporaries of St. James Junior Seminary, Yandev, Mr. John Akuse thanked the Mbaiwo community for honouring Ivever. He described him as a principled and dedicated public servant and urged the community to support him in his current role and future endeavours.

Other dignitaries, including the Permanent Commissioner IV of the Benue State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Mrs. Scholastica Lyam, and the Commissioner for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised the honour paid to Ivever and commended his commitment to public service.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of traditional attire to Ivever and his wife by traditional chiefs and other dignitaries.

In his response, Ivever thanked God and the Mbaiwo community for the honour, saying he was at a loss for words to express his gratitude. He also thanked Governor Alia for appointing him and giving him the opportunity to contribute to the administration.

Ivever appealed to staff disengaged in 2011 by the previous administration to be patient. He said the necessary administrative processes to address the matter were under way and would be completed soon.

Reaffirming his commitment to principled public service, Ivever said he would continue to support members of the community when needed, particularly young people pursuing education.

The reception concluded with community members, traditional rulers, political leaders, friends, associates and well-wishers celebrating Ivever’s public service and contribution.

Dughdugh Moses

Information Officer

Local Government Service Commission