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Governor Mohammed’s Commssioner calls Ortom an underperforming Governor
There is no end in sight in the war of words between the camps of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State as a Commssioner in Mohammed’s cabinet, Hamisu Shira, has described Ortom as an underperforming Governor.
Shira, who was responding to comment by Ortom where he called Mohammed a terrorist. He believed Ortom was using his recent scathing comments to cover his failure as a minister and current governor of Benue State.
The former member of the National Assembly who currently serves as Commssioner for Environment and Housing in Bauchi State, said what senator Mohammed achieved in just two years in office as governor was by far two times better than what Ortom has done in Benue State for close to six years.
He made the remarks in an interview with journalists in Bauchi, saying Ortom has no moral justification to call Mohammed names as there is no development in Benue State under him.
“Even salary became a problem so much so that the workers protested and we saw where Ortom was attacked by his own people because of his inability to meet his constitutional responsibility,” Shira stated.
And for some of us who were in the National Assembly we know his relationship with senator George Akume. Senator Akume happens to be Ortom’s godfather. Ortom was a one time minister. Senator Bala Mohammed was also a one time senator and Minister.. For those who don’t know go to Abuja and check the records. Check their ministries, check their performance. You cannot compare what senator Bala Mohammed has achieved in Abuja as FCT minister with what Ortom has done. In fact, Ortom was removed during a reshufflmemt because of his non performance,” he added.
Shira said he was disappointment with the statement that came out of Ortom’s mouth in response to what governor Mohammed said about Fulani herdsmen should defend themselves from.rustlers.
“Ortom has a right as governor to protect not only the interest of his people but the interest of Nigeria. Mohammed is not a sectional leader and Mohammed is qualified to lead this country. So it is unfortunate that Ortom will make such a statement.
” If not that I am holding a position in Senator Mohammed’s government, I was in Abuja when both of them when they were both ministers and I was in Benue where l was conversant with the developments there and l know the politics that played out during the farmers-heeders clashes.
” Ortom only git reelection when he came to PDP and his people elected him and he was trying to bring confusion and used that issue as a cheap point for him to get reelected. His one people expected that he would redeem his image but unfortunately his performance became so poor that the people of Benue will tell you how his people are angry with him today. Senator Mohammed has done so well and we cannot compare him with Ortom, ” Shira said.
March 1, 2021
Group Task Buhari, Ortom On Suswam’s Gun Running Allegations
The International Center For Justice Reforms (ICJR) has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari and Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom to come clear on the allegations that Senator Gabriel Suswam was indeed involved in gun running and arms dealing.
The group at a press conference addressed in Abuja by it’s country director, Charles Edet maintained that it was important for President Buhari’s administration to come clean and clear on the status of the investigation.
Recall that the former governor of Benue state now Senator was arrested in 2017 by the the Department of State security following a petition written by the Benue state government.
The DSS said at the time that it acted swiftly upon a classified petition and found incriminating evidence including arms and ammunition as well as other exhibits on Sen Suswam’s property in Maitama.
The secret service further highlighted that the petition also accused Sen Suswam of actually financing criminal gangs in Sankera axis of the state led by the late Terwase Akwaza AKA GANA.
“Security of lives and property has been a prime objective of this administration, therefore such heavy allegations can not be swept under the carpet.
“When the Senator was arrested by the DSS and detained for 73 days , speculations were rift that it was a political witch-hunt, so the government need to clarify on this to assure the citizens of their commitment to fairness and security”, the group noted.
It further averred that, until the late Terwase Akwaza was killed by the military, he had caused irreparable damage to lives and property, including killing military, police and politicians as well as locals and business people at random.
“If therefore, there was an allegations against Sen Suswam for sponsorship of such criminal gang, there is every need for conclusive investigation to be done on the matter.
“We call on President Buhari, the Department of State Security Service and governor Samuel Ortom to ensure that this investigation is concluded in the interest of justice.
“If the Benue state government suddenly losses interest, then it clearly shows, it was a political witch-hunt”, the group submitted.
The group further said it is worried why Sen Suswam himself had not taken steps to challenge his arrest and detention in Court and wondered if this implies that he actually has a link with the dreaded criminal gang currently terrorizing the state.
“This same gang recently killed 5 people in residence of the chairman of katsina Ala Local Government and have killed more than 100 people including security personnel in the last few weeks which neccesitated a ban on use of motorcycles in the axis”..
The group pledged to submit a new petition to the Department of State Security Service as a reminder to know the status of the investigation.
February 1, 2021
Court to hear Gov Ortom’s N10b Libel Suit against Oshiomhole
From Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has asked the High Court, Makurdi, to fix a date for hearing in the N10b libel Suit he instituted against the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and his party.
The Governor is claiming Ten Billion Naira from the aforementioned defendants over what he termed as libel.
Oshiomhole, had wanted an out-of-court settlement with the Complainant, a decision which was conveyed to the court on October 13, 2020.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Augustine Tyonyiman adjourned the matter to October 29, 2020 for the report on the out-of- court settlement. After two adjournments, the case resumed yesterday.
Counsel to Governor Ortom, Samuel Irabor who was represented by Ladi Achibong, informed the court that the out- of -Court settlement failed as the defendants did not show seriousness.
She asked the court for a definite date for hearing of the matter.
Titus Akuha, who held brief for Oshiomhole’s counsel and the APC, Festus Jumbo opposed the submission by Ortom’s counsel.
According to the Lawyer, there was no need to fix a date for hearing, adding that all the terms for the settlement had been met. He said that the agreement was still intact.
After listening to counsels to parties, Justice ltyonyiman adjourned the matter to February 26, 2021 for hearing of the case or to consider the report for an out of court settlement.
January 29, 2021
Rail Line Project Linking Niger Republic Has No Economic Benefit to Nigerians – Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has expressed disgust over the Federal Government’s plan to construct rail line from Kano to Niger Republic, even as he queried the economic impact the project would have on the development of the nation.
This is as the Governor has implored the National Assembly to call on President Muhamadu Buhari to jettison his plan to embark on the afore-mentioned project, which is to cost a colossal sum of $1.9bn, stressing it has no economic benefit to Nigerians.
Ortom who made his position known in Makurdi the State capital asked rhetorically “what is the economic benefit of a rail line from Nigeria to Niger? Why do we have to take $1.9bn to construct a rail line to Niger?”
The Governor enjoined the House of Representatives committee on Water Resources to counsel the Federal Government to rescind its decision to construct railway project to Niger Republic.
Continuing he expressed worry over some of the Federal Government’s Policies. His words: “Some of the policies of the Federal Government have made some of us to be suspicious. These include Ruga, Cattle Colony, Open Grazing as Camouflage coming into play.”
He called the Federal Government to revamp rural rail lines that have been moribund for long to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.
October 1, 2020
GIS Would Revolutionalize Land Administration, Others – Ortom
By Isaac Kertyo Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has disclosed that the Benue State Geographic Information Service (BENGIS) established in the state would revolutionalise land administration in line with global best practice.
He made this disclosure on Wednesday at the inauguration and ground breaking ceremony of the Benue State Geographic Information Service (BENGIS) at the Ministry of Lands and Survey headquarters Makurdi.
According to the Governor, the project would ensure permanent solution to challenges associated with the acquisition, registration and documentation of land in the state as well as issuance of title documents.
Ortom maintained that “this project is one of the government’s innovations to improve land administration and value chain. What is being done here is to give you collateral to obtain loan from bank among other things.
This would facilitate town planning, E-payment and e-collection. It will help improve economic development and enhance effective service delivery. It will promote land administration in line with global best practice, corrects past mistakes”, he explained.
Also speaking, the Commissioner in-charge of the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, Hon. Bernard Unenge averred that without Geospatial Information, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would not be realized, adding that Geospatial Information Technologies have therefore become critical tools to support physical development, economic growth, improved decision making and policy formulation.
September 30, 2020
Gov Ortom Supports Fight Against Corruption
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has restated his administration’s commitment to deliver true dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Ortom who made this disclosure at the government house, Makurdi on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Kenneth Achabo as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said his government will not renege on its promises to the people.
The Governor called on all and sundry to join hands in the fight against corruption, adding that failure to do that, development will continue to elude us. “We must join hands to fight the monster called corruption otherwise development will continue to elude us.”
He called on the newly sworn-in Special Adviser to obey the rule of law in the course of his operations. “I urge you to reflect on the oath you have sworn to, you must obey the rule of law.”
Continuing, Ortom admonished the Special Adviser to use the appointment as an opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the state.
He implored Achabo to work in line with the present government’s cardinal objectives which are anchored on the fear of God, transparency, accountability, discipline among others.
Mr. Achabo Kenneth until his appointment was the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Water and Environment.
September 29, 2020
Ortom Rejects Invitation To Rejoin APC
The Benue state governor Mr Samuel Ortom has rejected the invitation extended to him by the All Progressive Congress to return to the party, noting that he is fully committed to the ideals of the Peoples Democratic Party, thereby putting to rest, speculations on his alleged defection plans to the APC.
Governor Ortom made this public at the PDP congress to elect a new state executive committee of the party was returned the John Ngbede led executive, admitting that the APC indeed reached out to him but the congress decision would determine if he would remain in the PDP.
Expectedly, the delegates passed a vote of confidence on him after a voice vote he put forward to leave for the APC, was rejected by the PDP delegates, promising to work for the victory of the PDP come 2023.
READ ALSO: Declare Herdsmen As Terrorists, Ortom Tells Buhari
With that cleared out of the way, the issue of equitable distribution of power, where only the Tiv ethnic group has been ruling the state since its creation in 1976 was tabled.
The Senator representing Benue South Senator Abba Moro and the former senate president, Mister David Mark makes a compelling case for the zone to produce the next governor come 2023.
After acknowledging cheers from the crowd and taking his seat, delegates began casting their votes for the candidates running for the 39 positions led by the incumbent chairman, Mr. John Ngbede.
Some notable persons who were present at the congress on Saturday include former Senate Presidents, David Mark, and Iyorchia Ayu, as well as the three Senators representing Benue at the National Assembly.
August 10, 2020
Ortom urges opposition to offer constructive criticism
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has restated his administration’s commitment to ensure that a permanent solution to the issue of pensions and gratuity arrears were addressed before the expiry of his tenure.
Governor Ortom, who made this disclosure while reacting to allegations from a group known as Benue Renaissance Network, claiming to be speaking on behalf of the Benue pensioners regarding non-payment of pensions, threatening to prevail on the presidency, the National Assembly and the governor’s forum to step into the matter, explained the group was speaking from a gross ignorant point as the Federal Government itself was fully aware that the issue of pensions in the State was not a deliberate attempt to deny the retirees of their entitlements.
In a statement made available to newsmen, signed by his chief press secretary, Mr. Terver Akase,in Makurdi, Ortom further revealed that his administration inherited a total of N70 billion of salary, pensions and gratuity arrears when he took over as Governor in 2015, adding that Government constant engagement through dialogue with the pensioners which the pensioners themselves appreciated has reduced the figure to less than 40 billion Naira.
He also stated that as part of measures to address the issue, his administration has domesticated the PENCOM law in the state believing that it was a sure way to ending the problem of accumulated pensions and gratuity.
The governor also disclosed that his Government also wrote to the Federal Government requesting for an assistance to enable it tackle the challenge, maintaining that the request is currently being processed by the CBN through the directives of Mr. President.
The governor described as deliberate mischief and falsehood allegations that the pensioners who staged a protest at Government House last year regarding the issue were manhandled by thugs, explaining that though he was out of town when the issue occurred he on getting the information immediately directed that the senior citizens be attended to while he made hasty arrangements to return home.
He advised the group to desist from falsehood as well as not allowing themselves to be used by some politicians who does not mean well for the state to cause mischief, if they were truly fighting for the interest of Benue pensioners.
The governor warned that Government would not hesitate to seek redress in court for any libelous statement from any group that would degenerate into personal attacks, name calling and encouraged the people to be constructive in their criticisms pointing out that it would enable Government to seat up
July 21, 2020
Traders Applaud Ortomover relaxing Lockdown
Reactions have continued to trail Governor Samuel Ortom’s directive to open markets, worship centers for Christians and Muslims to carry out their religious obligations.
Day Break Correspondent who monitored resumption of Commercial activities in Makurdi, the Benue State capital reports that business activities have resumed fully in all the markets without due compliance with the guidelines as released by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid – 19.
Reacting to the easing of the lockdown by the State Government, the chairman, Traders Association, Wurukum Market branch, Mr. Terungwa Adula who spoke in an exclusive interview with Day Break on Friday, Stressed that the lockdown is a welcome development, pointing out that he implored members to adhere strictly to the directive by The Government to curb the spread of the Virus.
Adula said thus: “my members are observing social and physical distancing, washing of hands with soap regularly, wearing of face mask. I advise them to adhere to government’s directives in order not to fall victim of the Corona-Virus. Easing the lockdown is better for us. Now we are no longer on the streets like in the past” he said.
Continuing, he contended, however that he incurred losses during the lockdown, saying that some of the items have expired in the course of the lockdown. He expressed hope that God will help them recover their loses.
On his part, Donald Uwalava who deals in cosmetics told our correspondent that business is gradually picking up, maintaining however, that the lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of Corona virus had adverse effect on his business.
June 5, 2020
Ortom, Sule beg FG to sustain ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom, have appealed to the Federal Government to the sustain the military operation code named: ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ to guarantee full restoration of peace in the region.
The duo made the appeal at a joint security meeting on Sunday in Lafia, following tensions arising from the federal government’s decision to withdraw the military involved in the security operation covering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
According to the governors, sustaining the military operation for at least another two years would ensure the full restoration of peace and flushing out all criminal elements operating in the region.
Sule in his submission, noted that there had not been any serious security breach since the announcement for the withdrawal of the military.
He however said that there was tension and fear, especially in the border communities, with residents leaving their homes.
Sule stressed the need for stakeholders from both states to close ranks and make concerted effort towards ensuring a lasting peace.
On his part, Ortom want the federal government to reconsider its decision on the withdrawal of the military, saying that peace is yet to be fully restored to the various communities.
According to Ortom, most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from last year’s attack in Benue were yet to be fully returned to their homes.
He said that IDPs were still housed in eight camps across Benue, adding that with reported cases of skirmishes last week, they will not feel safe to return home without the presence of the military.
The issue of the Anti-open grazing and ranching establishment law enacted by the Benue state government was discussed at the meeting with stakeholders from Nasarawa state appealing for its implementation with “human face.”
Justice Sidi Bage, the Emir of Lafia, in his submission, went down memory lane to establish that the people from both states were one, only separated by “artificial boundaries”.
Bage acknowledged that the Benue Anti-open grazing law was apt at the time it was promulgated to protect the people, and believed that it had achieved the purpose with the current measure of peace in the state.
However, the first class traditional ruler urged the Benue Government to relax the the law since peace had been achieved to a large extent in the spirit of brotherhood.
“I know it’s very difficult, but try to see that some aspects of the law is relaxed a bit considering our brotherhood,” Bage said.
Similarly, Alhaji Hussaini Mohammed, the Chairman, Nasarawa State branch of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders (MACBAN), and Mr Boniface Ifer, representing the Tiv community in Nasarawa state, appealed forpartial implementation of the anti-open grazing law as part of the peace-building process across both states.
On his part, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, represented by the Tor Lobi, Chief Moses Anagende, lauded the peace-building initiative by the two governors and stressed the need for all stakeholders to support the course.
The monarch however said that the anti-open grazing law in Benue was beyond governor Ortom to tinker with as it was the concensus decision of the people of the state, hence any adjustment would be the collective decision of the people.
He assured the Emir of Lafia that his appeal in that regards would be considered but would take some time.
Also, Mr Ayua Abomtse, the ‘Ter Nagi’ from Benue, said that the issue of relaxing the implementation of the law being sought by stakeholders in Nasarawa state was too early considering the fact that peace was yet to be fully restored.
Abomtse added that the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) of the federal government, which Benue had signed into might even address the concerns of the Nasarawa stakeholders.
He also urged traditional rulers in border communities to educate their subjects on the imperative of peace.
Ortom added that the anti-open grazing was still in place in the state, adding that ranching is the best way to go if the country was to focus on agriculture to diversify the economy away from oil.
Ortom said his administration was open to workable suggestions from the Miyetti Allah and other stakeholders that could be used to amend the anti-open grazing and ranches establishment law for the benefit of all. (NAN)
January 13, 2020