Group alleges ₦41.8bn Zaki Biam compensation daga was frustrated by Aondoakaa, accuses Akume of evil political plot ahead of 2027
*says Aondoakaa’s actions allegedly prolonged victims’ wait for justice
The International Centre for Transparency Nigeria (ICTN) has alleged that the ₦41.8 billion compensation awarded to victims of the 2001 Zaki Biam and Gbeji massacres was frustrated through prolonged legal and administrative processes, accusing former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, of playing a central role in the development.
The group also alleged a political arrangement involving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to support the emergence of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2027 Benue State governorship election.
The allegations were contained in a statement presented by the group’s National Leader, Prof. Joseph Vershima, at a press briefing in Abuja.
According to the group, the alleged political arrangement could also affect the electoral fortunes of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State in the 2027 elections.
The organisation further alleged that Chief Aondoakaa’s actions, during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, contributed to delays in the enforcement of the compensation awarded to victims of the Zaki Biam and Gbeji massacres.
The group recalled that following the military operations in several Tiv communities in 2001, victims instituted legal proceedings against the Federal Government, seeking compensation for alleged violations of their fundamental human rights.
It said that on July 5, 2007, the Federal High Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Lewis Allagoa, held the Federal Government liable and awarded ₦41.8 billion in damages.
ICTN alleged that following the judgment, Aondoakaa, who had assumed office as the nation’s Chief Law Officer, appealed the decision, thereby delaying the enforcement of the judgment.
The group further alleged that the late Alexander Gaadi, who was among the lead representatives of the victims, devoted considerable personal resources to the legal struggle and died while the appellate process was still ongoing.
It alleged that after Aondoakaa left office in 2010, the Federal Government, under his successor, Mohammed Bello Adoke, initiated discussions aimed at resolving the matter through an out-of-court settlement, reportedly involving approximately ₦8 billion.
The group, however, said the proposed settlement generated controversies over the identity of the lawful beneficiaries following the death of Gaadi.
ICTN alleged that the matter remains one of the most significant human rights compensation cases in the country and called for renewed attention to the plight of the victims and their families.
The group also accused some APC politicians in Benue State of allegedly working against the re-election prospects of President Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the 2027 elections.
It specifically alleged that former APC senatorial aspirant, Mr Emmanuel Jime, recently led some aggrieved party members to a meeting with Senator Akume, where they allegedly expressed unwillingness to continue working with Governor Alia and the recognised leadership of the APC in the state.
The organisation further alleged that the group was seeking association with a faction of the APC which, according to it, had previously been dissolved by the National Working Committee of the party.
ICTN claimed that the development was part of a broader political strategy allegedly aimed at weakening the APC in Benue State and creating an opportunity for the PDP to gain political advantage in 2027.
The group also alleged that some individuals were mobilising resources to support opposition candidates in the 2027 State House of Assembly elections, allegedly with the objective of securing sufficient legislative influence to frustrate the Governor’s administration.
It called on President Tinubu to examine the political developments in Benue State, warning that alleged internal divisions within the APC could adversely affect the party’s performance in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
The group said Governor Alia’s administration had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, industrial development, security and workers’ welfare.
It cited the construction and rehabilitation of more than 600 kilometres of roads, the development of flyovers and underpasses, the establishment of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of basic education facilities and the recruitment of thousands of teachers.
Other achievements listed by the group included investments in industrial projects, the revival of moribund factories, agricultural development, improved security logistics, youth ICT training, public transportation initiatives, implementation of a ₦75,000 minimum wage and efforts to clear inherited pension and gratuity arrears.
ICTN argued that the achievements of the administration warranted continuity and urged political actors to prioritise the interests of Benue State over alleged personal and factional interests.
The organisation maintained that the political developments ahead of 2027 required vigilance, transparency and public scrutiny, while calling on all parties to respond to the allegations raised in the interest of democratic accountability.
