- Safiu Kehinde
The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Atu Terver, has slammed indefinite suspension on his Chief Press Secretary, Lubem Ukeyima, over his participation in the #EndBenueGenocide protest.
NPO Reported that the killing of over 200 residents of Yelewata by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen over the weekend had sparked public outrage.
In reaction to the tragic incident, several Benue youths took to the street on Sunday in protest over the killing.
Also joining the protest was Nigerian social media influencer and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman.
Ukeyima who joined the protest despite holding a public office shared picture of himself with Verydarkman in a post on his Facebbok page.
In reaction, Atu, in a letter issued on Sunday accused the Chief Press Secretary of working against his directives which he described as a serious breach of duties and the trust.
The governor’s aide maintained that Ukeyima must refrain from all official duties and responsibilities.
“This letter serves as a formal notification of your immediate and indefinite suspension from your position as Chief Press Secretary, effective today, June 15, 2025.
“This decision has been made due to your actions that have been deemed as working against the explicit directives of your principal. Such conduct is a serious breach of your duties, and the trust placed in your office.
During the period of this indefinite suspension, you are to refrain from all official duties and responsibilities, and you are not permitted to represent this office or me in any capacity.
“Please be advised that this suspension is indefinite, and the duration and any further actions will be determined following a comprehensive review of the matter.” The letter read.
Reacting to his suspension in a post on his Facebook page, Ukeyima accepted the suspension as he noted that he was never given an appointment letter.
He expressed his gratitude to Atu for the privilege to work under him, stressing that he remains his brother.
“Good morning, Hon PSA to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization Hon Krayzeetee Atu Terver, I received your letter via Facebook this morning that you have suspended me immediately and indefinitely.
“I accept my indefinite suspension even though I wasn’t given any Appointment Letter officially.
“You and many people know I am not the type that will ever speak ill or negative about anybody I have ever worked for or will work for in future no matter the circumstances because I believe Silence is golden when it comes to such.
“So, I appreciate the little time we both spent together during this appointment, you are my brother and will always be a brother to me.
“I wish you all the Best in life. thank you after all #IKnowWhereIBelong.” Ukeyima wrote.
According to report, the suspended aide had in a previous post on his Facebook handle announced his plan to join the protest.
“Tomorrow morning at wurukum roundabout, Black on Black outfit. We are marching to the Wurukum Roundabout for a peaceful message to Stop Benue K!lli.ngs.
“We are not here for violence but to Stop Benue K!l.lings. After all #IKnowWhereIBelong This is just the only message we are passing across #StopBenueKillings.” He wrote.