April 24, (THEWILL)- Former Benue state governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said that his eight-year tenure in office was characterised by due process and with the fear of God, even as he challenged Governor Alia to sheathe his sword for greater Benue.
The former governor, who remarked at an event put together by appointees who served in his administration to mark his 63rd birthday celebration anniversary in Makurdi on Tuesday, noted that nobody will come from Abuja or elsewhere to make things work for the state.
“Anyone advising Governor Alia to fight Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is not for the benefit of the state.
“After the Supreme Court judgement over the dispute arising from the 2023 governorship election in Benue State, the PDP candidate, Rt Honourable Titus Uba and I called and congratulated Alia and I asked if I could be of advice to him.
According to former governor Ortom, Benue is currently under siege and the governor alone cannot rescue it, saying the SGF, himself and other stakeholders can work together for the good of the state.
While imploring Benue people as Christians to pray for leaders in authority to succeed, Chief Ortom stated that if he had his way, he would have made everyone a governor for at least two days for them to appreciate the seat of the governor better.
He called on leaders at all levels to be open for advice as Nigeria is passing through very hard and turbulent times, expressing happiness that the voice of cry as governor over the killing of his people in Benue is being appreciated in the country and beyond.
The Chief celebrant added that it is not all about prayers but action must be taken by the people to protect themselves, saying he may have stepped on toes in the course of duty and called for forgiveness as he has forgotten those that hate him.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Poga Bitrus, noted that former governor Ortom stood up as a single voice against killings, insecurity and injustice not minding the consequences from the Federal authority.
Doctor Bitrus, who is the former President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), added that the then governor Ortom ensured the enactment of the Anti Open Grazing Prohibition Law 2017, which is now helping Benue State and some states of the Federation.
He pointed out that from the cattle colony to water bills of the then president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the then governor Ortom kicked against it and was supported by the Middle Belt Forum.
“At 63, Ortom is still active and can be trusted with power at a higher level, and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Earlier, the chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr David Olofu, noted that Ortom had demonstrated that leadership is about the provision of the needs of the people, saying his former appointees decided to celebrate him at his 63rd birthday celebration anniversary.
Faces at the ceremony included a representative of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Attorney General of the Federal and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), former Minister of Power, Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, former PDP governorship candidate in Benue State, Rt. Honourable Titus Uba, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, members of the Academia and Media Chiefs, among others.
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