The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. James Dwem, FCIB, CNA, has reaffirmed the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Ph.D.’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution and improving the welfare of traditional rulers across Benue State.

Dwem made the statement during his first courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty Agaba Idu, Elaigwu John Odogbo, Ochi’Idoma V, in Otukpo. He received royal blessings and words of wisdom from the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation.

The commissioner thanked the Ochi’Idoma and the Idoma Area Traditional Council for the warm reception accorded Governor Alia during his recent thank-you tour of the federal constituencies in Benue South Senatorial District, Zone C.

He described the reception as a demonstration of the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the government and the traditional institution. Traditional rulers, he said, remain important partners in promoting peace, security, unity and grassroots development.

Dwem assured the traditional rulers that the ministry would continue to give the institution the respect, recognition and support it deserves.

He also said that, in line with Governor Alia’s directive to improve the welfare of traditional rulers, a committee had been inaugurated to review their salaries and allowances. Implementation was expected to begin in September 2026.

According to Dwem, the initiative reflects the governor’s determination to restore the dignity of the traditional institution, improve the welfare of traditional rulers and place the institution on a more sustainable footing.

Accompanied by the ministry’s Covering Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Sule, directors and political associates, Dwem said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and traditional rulers across the state.

He recalled making a similar courtesy visit to the palace of the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, after assuming office. He said the visits were intended to build stronger relationships with traditional councils.

In response, the Ochi’Idoma, Agaba Idu, commended Dwem for the visit, describing it as a sign of renewed government interest in the traditional institution. The monarch expressed confidence in the commissioner’s ability to lead reforms that would enhance the status, welfare and effectiveness of traditional rulers in Benue State. He described Dwem as “a square peg in a square hole,” citing his record in the banking sector, previous public appointments and leadership experience.

Earlier, first-class chiefs in Idoma land thanked the commissioner for engaging with the traditional institution and raised concerns affecting their work. These included a lack of official vehicles, inadequate palace infrastructure, unpaid allowances, rising operating costs and the absence of health insurance coverage for traditional rulers.

Dwem assured the traditional rulers that their concerns would receive due attention. He reiterated the Alia administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution as a partner in governance, peacebuilding and community development.

He added that the elevation of the former Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to a full ministry demonstrated the administration’s commitment to giving local government administration and the traditional institution greater attention and capacity. The ministry, he said, is also represented at the weekly meetings of the State Executive Council.

Dwem said the ministry would continue to work closely with traditional rulers to promote effective grassroots governance, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development across the state. Highlight of the visit was conferment of royal blessings on Dwem by His Royal Majesty Agaba Idu, Elaigwu John Odogbo, Ochi’Idoma V.

Terlumun Mchie

Information Officer

Ministry Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs