Benue State Appoints Shadow First Lady Amid Political Changes

The Benue State government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, appointed Mr. Scholastica Ben as the shadow First Lady, a unique position inspired by Malawi's former First Lady Cecilia Kadzamira, due to Alia's status as a celibate Roman Catholic priest.

This appointment follows a historical absence of a First Lady in Benue State since its creation in January 1992. Concurrently, the Nigerian Democratic Congress implemented an anti-defection policy requiring candidates to sign an indemnity form to pledge loyalty to the party, aiming to strengthen party discipline and curb defections.

This policy was notably signed by presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso. In a separate legal matter, former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke was acquitted of six bribery and corruption charges by a jury in London, related to allegations of receiving £100,000 in cash and luxury goods.