Outgoing Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has advised critics to avoid dealing with the new government of Fr. Hyacinth Alia as they did with his. The governor made this known on Tuesday during his farewell visit to the Tiv Area Traditional Council at the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko.
Ortom cautioned against transferring the insults, blackmail, and lies peddled against him and other leaders to the next administration, stating that it is unhealthy for development. He emphasised that the unity and peace of Tivland must be upheld, free from partisanship.
Ortom advised against partisan politics aimed at ruining the collective interest of the Tiv nation and pledged his allegiance to any noble cause that would advance the interest of the state despite his exit from office.
The Tor Tiv and Chairman of Tiv Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, acknowledged Governor Ortom’s efforts in protecting his people during his tenure and thanked him for not succumbing to intimidation, victimisation, or blackmail from high quarters. Ayatse commended Ortom for introducing reforms in the traditional institution as well as prioritising the welfare of traditional rulers.
The governor was also adorned by the traditional rulers, who also prayed that God continues to protect him and his family. Ortom expressed his commitment to any initiative aimed at bringing development to Tivland and Benue State in general.
Ortom is scheduled to handover to his successor on May 29, 2023.
