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Tag: Ortom

  • I’ll continue to support Tinubu after May 29 – Ortom

    I’ll continue to support Tinubu after May 29 – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State has admitted he’ll continue to pray and support president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu after swearing-in on May 29.

    He dismissed the possibility of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, after leaving office.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, the governor said he would continue to ensure equity and justice in Nigeria.

    Ortom said he worked for the emergence of a southern presidency because he wanted equity and justice.

    According to him: “That is not on my table, I’m in PDP, and I worked for the Southern presidency, which Tinubu and Obi were part of. Defecting is not on my table now.

    “If Tinubu is sworn in, I will continue to pray and support him to succeed.

    “I remain the leader of PDP in Benue State but will continue to work for equity and justice in Nigeria.”

  • Idoma editors bemoan Benue killings, suggest way out

    Idoma editors bemoan Benue killings, suggest way out

    A media professionals group, The Idoma Editors, has thumbed down what it described as the “nauseatingly historical killings in Benue communities by suspected terrorists also known as killer herders.”

    According to them, the killings of innocent indigenes had “assumed a monumental proportion during the just concluded Easter celebration with Umogidi village, Guma and Agan IDPs Camps repeatedly attacked leaving scores dead.

    This was contained in a press statement issued Friday in Abuja by the acting president of the group, Adoyi M. Aba.

    The statement read in part, “We have undertaken a thorough evaluation of this sustained violence against the peace-loving people of Benue state and wish to unequivocally condemn the brazen ex-communication of lives by these suspected terrorists who masquerade as herders.

    “We’re particularly distrustful of the spread of these attacks to more communities in Benue South as the area is historically known to be peaceful, friendly and an excellent host haven for other Nigerians. We’re even taken aback by these well-orchestrated attacks that led to the death of no fewer than 50 and injuries to many others in Umogidi village at Adoka District of Otukpo local government area of the state.

    “We also denounce the unprovoked attacks on innocent displaced people in the IDPs camps in both Guma and Agan communities in Makurdi. These dastardly acts of killing defenceless and vulnerable people, including women and children, in the IDPs camps can only be carried out by blood-thirsty demons masquerading as humans.”

    According to the group, even though the governorship election has already produced a governor-elect, “we wish to advise the incumbent governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, not to adjudicate his constitutional function of ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state until his last day in office.”

    “We are not unaware of the enormous security challenge that has limited the progress and development of the state in the last eight years, but that should not stop the government from functioning optimally.

    “We, however, thank Governor Ortom for his several efforts made to abate human carnage, even as we hope that the in-coming governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia, won’t waste time in re-setting the security architecture to insulate the state from further external aggression.

    “We also called on the federal government to approve a special military exercise for the state where all suspected forests, mountains and other hidden zones in and around the state could be flushed.

    “It is surprising that Benue, blessed with a plethora of military formations, remains unsafe for habitation.”

  • ‘I may go back to my farm’ – Ortom reacts to failed senatorial bid

    ‘I may go back to my farm’ – Ortom reacts to failed senatorial bid

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Friday said he would go back to the farm after losing his senatorial bid.

    Ortom, who disclosed this on Arise TV, insisted that ‘market was not good’ during his outing to claim a seat at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

    Recall that the Benue governor’s senatorial aspiration was dashed after his defeat on Feb. 25 when he lost to his former aide, Titus Zam.

    When asked ‘how was the market’ after he lost the senatorial election, Ortom responded, “The market [senatorial bid] for me is not good.

    “This time around, the market isn’t good, but I will be here [as Benue governor] till May 29, when I will hand over by the grace of God.

    “I will find something else to do. I may go back to my farm as far as I’m concerned.”

  • Ortom withdraws petition against senator-elect Zam, in the interest of peace

    Ortom withdraws petition against senator-elect Zam, in the interest of peace

    In the interest of peace, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has withdrawn his petition against the election of Senator-Elect, Chief Titus Zam. of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    In his words: “Even though there was glaring evidence of malpractices including non-transmission of results electronically during the conduct of the Benue North West Senatorial election, I have taken the decision to withdraw my case from the tribunal. As the Bible says in John 3:27 ‘A man can receive nothing, except it is given to him from heaven’.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Zam as Senator-Elect for Benue North West.

    Zam polled 143,141 votes to defeat Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 106,880 votes.

    Ortom withdraws petition against senator-elect Zam, in the interest of peace
    Chief Titus Zam

    Addressing reporters at Government House Makurdi, Ortom said: “The decision to withdraw my case from the court is in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of our party, PDP.

    “As a leader of PDP, I will continue to support the party in collaboration with other leaders to enable it to bounce back from the mistakes and drawbacks that are affecting it at the moment.

    “Let me reassure the people of Benue State that as Governor, I will continue to provide selfless service in all sectors of development till the end of my tenure on May 29, 2023.

    “For those I might have offended in this journey of serving the state and our country, I seek their forgiveness, as I also forgive those who have offended me.”

  • APC cautions against granting Ortom’s loan request

    APC cautions against granting Ortom’s loan request

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned commercial banks against granting loan request by Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, whose tenure will end on May 29.

    The Director of Communications, Alia/Ode Campaign Organisation, Mr. Tersoo Kula, said this in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi.

    Kula alleged that the State House of Assembly had on Tuesday approved another N1 billion revolving overdraft for Ortom, saying that such loan would deepen the debt profile of the state.

    “We have gathered on good authority that on Tuesday, Uba led Benue House of Assembly covertly approved an N1billion revolving overdraft for Ortom led executive.

    “We are surprised that the house is still approving loans for Ortom having known that he is left with less than three months in office.

    “We wonder why someone who wants to govern the state will continue indulging in mischief targeted at increasing the already frightening loan burden for the leadership to come,” Kula said.

    He wondered why Ortom was still finding ways to multiply the state debt at the twilight of his administration and called on the people to reject the move.

    “What is it that Ortom thinks he can achieve within the remaining two months of his tenure that he is now adding to the heavy debts he had incurred for the state,” he said.

  • Old Naira notes: Ortom backs NASS for extension of deadline

    Old Naira notes: Ortom backs NASS for extension of deadline

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline for the use of the old naira notes, especially for those in the rural areas.

    Ortom made his feelings known when the Governing Council and Management of the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    The governor said that since the new notes were not much in circulation, it was not possible, especially for the rural dwellers, to meet up with the deadline, adding that most of them did not even have bank accounts.

    “I join the National Assembly members to prevail on the CBN to extend the deadline of exchange of the old naira notes.

    “If we do not say it as it were we are liars and sycophants. Things are not right in this country.

    “We want to let the President know that people are suffering and something must be done to reduce it,” Ortom said.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding to the demand of immortalising late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka by changing the name of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi to JOSTUM.

    “Tarka had contributed immensely to the development of politics and to humanity within his short stay on earth.

    He fought for the right of minorities. I appreciate Mr President for honouring us not just Tarka but the entire people of the state.

    He, however, alleged that the host community of the school was shortchanged, adding that the money that was released for compensation did not get to them.

    “So, relocation of the people to other areas became a problem. That is why they are still laying claims to the land.

    “We have formed a committee and we will bring in the management of the school into it. This will enable us to see how we will have a win win situation for both the host community and the institution,” Ortom said.

    Also, the Chairperson of the council, Mrs Edith Uwajumogu, said she was grateful to God for making her the first female Pro-Chancellor of the university since its inception.

    Uwajumogu disclosed that their interest was to see that the school became greater, adding that the name of the school had been changed but it had not gone conventional yet, expressing optimism that it would be done pretty soon.

    She appealed to the state government to rehabilitate the road from the SRS junction to the school.

    The Pro-chacellor also demanded for vehicles to ease students transportation challenges.

    She said the institution was too large, therefore, students trekked long distances to attend lectures.

    Acting Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Paul Anune, said they were grateful to Ortom for his willingness to partner with the institution.

    Anune informed the governor that encroachment on the institution’s land by the host community was still prevalent.

    “We wanted to open up a road from the school to Agan gate and build a perimeter fence round the school but the host community attacked the workers.

    “We are seeking the intervention of the state government in order to put the matter to rest permanently,” Anune said.

  • 2023: Ortom explains reason why PDP ‘ll retain power in Benue

    2023: Ortom explains reason why PDP ‘ll retain power in Benue

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has given reasons why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will retain power in the state in the forthcoming elections.

    Ortom spoke on Thursday at a political rally in Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of the state.

    He said that the party had done all that it needed to do to win the forthcoming general elections with clear margins.

    “As we speak, all the 276 councillors in the state are members of PDP while 26 out of 30 members of the state assembly are also members of our party.

    “We also have seven House of Representatives members out of 11 and all the three Senators from Benue are members of PDP. Also, the Deputy Governor and the Governor are members of PDP.

    “This goes to show that Benue is purely a PDP state and this we will maintain,” Ortom said.

    He advised the people to arm themselves with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising that the forthcoming elections were different from the past ones.

    “The era of snatching ballot boxes is over. Now is the era of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS).

    “With the introduction of BIVAS, you must be there at the polling unit to vote because the machine must capture you before you will vote. You should take this election very seriously,” the governor advised.

    Meanwhile, the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Titus Uba, appreciated the people for their prayers while he was on medical vacation abroad.

    Uba encouraged them to entrust him and his deputy, Mr John Ngbede, with their mandate, promising that they would never be disappointed if they gave them their votes.

    He said that they would consolidate on Ortom’s outstanding legacies, stating that the governor  had built a solid foundation for security and they would leverage on it.

    “We are blessed with arable land in the state, as such, we will use agriculture to develop the state through modern agricultural techniques,” Uba said.

    Also, Ngbede said that they would build on what Ortom had done, pledging that they would not leave the civil servants out in their programmes.

    The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Sen. Abba Moro, promised to facilitate construction of the Otukpo-Obi-Oju-Yahe road and its completion before the end of his second term.

    “The All Progressives Congress (APC) did not give you hope, as such, you should reject it and vote for all candidates of PDP from the bottom to the top,” Moro said.

    Earlier, the Acting state Chairman of PDP, Mr Isaac Mffo, said that a vote for the party means securing the future of their children.

  • Elections: Ortom, Suswan, Abounu, Uba, lead PDP flag-off statewide campaigns in Sankera

    Elections: Ortom, Suswan, Abounu, Uba, lead PDP flag-off statewide campaigns in Sankera

    …as Benue citizens welcome campaign trail to Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala

    Benue State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, Samuel Ortom Thursday led party bigwigs to flag-off statewide gubernatorial and legislative houses campaign rallies for the party.

    The State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Gabriel Suswam, PDP Governorship candidate, Engr. Titus Uba and his running mate, Sir John Ngbede all joined in the campaigns.

    Governor Ortom in his speech at the separate rallies in Ugba, Sankera and Katsina-Ala township told party supporters that the PDP Governorship candidate, Engr. Uba is well groomed to take over from him and lead the State to greater heights.

    He noted that Uba as Speaker of Benue State House Assembly for two terms has led the legislative arm without crisis, insisting that it was a clear demonstration that he is someone with a large heart and has the competence to lead the state.

    He enjoined the people to vote massively for PDP candidates in the state, emphasising that they must collect their Permanent Voters Card from INEC to vote at the polls.

    He thanked the people for turning out en masse to welcome the campaign trail urging them to shun those who were collaborating with enemies of the state to deceive Benue people.

    The Governor had earlier met separately with traditional and religious leaders from the three local government areas where he commended them for their cooperation with his administration, particularly in the efforts to contain the security challenges in the area.

    He promised to lift the ban on the use of motorcycles in the area once the traditional and political leaders assure him of safety of lives and property in their domain.

    The PDP Governorship candidate, Engr. Uba in his speech said the statewide campaign tour, which kicked off in Sankera was significant as it was his maternal birth place.

    Uba disclosed that one of his priority in Sankera axis if he gets elected will be in the area of security and agriculture, stressing that he will build on the foundation laid by the Ortom administration.

    He pointed out that Governor Ortom and Senator Suswam has made the campaigns easier for the party in Zone A senatorial district by the quantum of infrastructural development in the senatorial district, stating that the people have every good reason to vote for the PDP candidates.

    The Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Dr. Gabriel Suswam stated that Engr. Uba as Speaker of the State Assembly was familiar with governance and would not start learning on the job to effectively lead the state.

    Sen. Suswam enjoined the people of Sankera to continue to support the PDP as they have always done, urging them not to be deceived by those who do not mean well for the state.

    He praised the sincere commitment of Governor Ortom in combating insecurity, especially in the Sankera axis.

    The House of Representatives Member for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Dr Richard Gbande, Council Chairmen of Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala also spoke at the campaign rallies and pledged the readiness of the people of the area to vote for the PDP.

    The Acting State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Isaac Mffo who received decampees into the party called on the people to vote overwhelmingly for the party, while the Director of PDP State Campaign Management Committee, Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa disclosed that the party has fielded credible candidates.

    In separate goodwill messages at the rallies, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Elder Dickson Azaugba, Dr. Kester Kyenge, Chief Jem Toraanyin, Hon. David Se-Av among others all assured that the people of Sankera will offer overwhelming support to the PDP to win the elections, stating that Engr Uba was their choice for Governor.

    Governor Ortom and Senator Suswam along with other political leaders in Sankera axis had separately presented the governorship candidate to the Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala traditional Area Councils who gave royal blessings to Engr. Uba, to emerge victorious in his aspiration to become the next Governor of the state.

  • Peter Obi can deliver Nigeria from its challenges – Ortom

    Peter Obi can deliver Nigeria from its challenges – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has assured Nigerians that the Labour Party(LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi can deliver the nation from its challenges.

    Ortom disclosed this while commending Obi for visiting camps of the Internally Displaced People, IDPs, in the State on Christmas day.

    According to Ortom: “Several presidential candidates have come here, and none of them have chosen to visit those IDPs camps and look at their plight to see how they are doing and give them hope that when they win, they will bring them succour, help, and hope.

    “For you to have chosen to visit the IDPs on a Christmas day that you should be celebrating with your family, for me as a Christian, I say God will bless you and your aspirations. My prayer is that God will bless your aspiration to be the president of this country.

    “Because I have seen capacity, faith, and hope, and I have seen someone who can bring the required equity, justice, and fairness that I have been pursuing since I became governor in 2015. If I were not in PDP, I would have been following you all over the place to canvass and vote for you.

    “But, because I’m in PDP, I’m telling Nigerians that this man can help deliver this country from its challenges.”

  • 2023: To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him – Ortom

    2023: To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him – Ortom

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to go to hell as he will not support his ambition ahead of the 2023 election.

    The Governor lamented the killing of 18 people in his LG last week.

    Ortom stated this on Sunday night when he hosted the party’s G-5 Governors comprising Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) in Government House, Makurdi.

    “To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him. They should go and tell him. You want me to be a slave for a Fulani. It’s better I die. Anybody supporting Atiku is an enemy of Benue.

    “My people are being killed and you want me to be quiet. My tenure ends in May and you can do whatever you want if you think you have the powers. I have written my will. When I gave it to my wife, she cried all night. If I die at 62, many of my mates have gone a long time ago and If I die today, I’m a fulfilled person but let it be recorded that I died resisting the invasion and killing of my people.

    “I will never support a Fulani man to become president. If there is another person who is ready to work with me and ensure the security of my people, I will work with him,” he said.