Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said no land in his state was ceded to Fulani herdsmen. He accused his political detractors of spreading the allegation.
He was reacting to allegations against his administration following the peace agreement between the Agatu and Fulani herdsmen.
The governor addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said: “It is not the people who are saying this. There was a peace pact brokered by the Agatu people and the Fulani herdsmen. I and Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, were there to moderate and allow them.
“And insinuations that part of the land was ceded to Fulani is false. It is being instigated by our political opponents who have nothing to sell to the people. They want to use that to instigate the people against our government, but they cannot because we are sincere, God-fearing and truthful.
“We have ensured peace in our land. As I talk now, in my local government, herdsmen move freely. But they are being monitored and they are relating with the farmers very well. In 2013, my house and rice farm was burnt in a day and more than 50 of my kinsmen were killed.
“But since I came in as a governor, I have brokered peace and everything is moving well. The Agatu people said they are tired of the crisis and want to live a normal life. They also wanted Fulani herdsmen born and bred in Agatu land to come back. But the foreign herdsmen, who are violent and have been causing destruction, should not come near their territory.
“This was an understanding between two groups. It is not that any land was ceded to any Fulani herdsman and all that. But the truth of the matter is that we must learn to be peaceful. It is only when we have peace that we can begin to improve our states, local governments and the country,” Ortom said.
On the purpose of his visit to the Villa, Ortom said he came to pay solidarity visit to the Acting President and to wish Mr. President, who is on vacation, good health and safe return to Nigeria.
“And we pray that God will continue to help this administration that came at a time that Nigeria is passing through recession occasioned by bad leadership by past administration.”
Tag: Ortom
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Land not ceded to Fulani herdsmen, says Ortom
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Ortom urges FG to establish national football academy in Benue
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on the federal government to consider the establishment of a national football academy in the state. Making the call yesterday when he received the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, at the Benue Peoples House, he said the academy would encourage young people to develop interest in the game of soccer.
He also urged the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to assist in the upgrading Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi and facilitate the hosting of national and international sporting events in the state. The Governor stressed the need for the establishment of recreational centres in each of the three senatorial zones of the state, giving assurance that his administration would continue to use sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment.
Earlier, Dalung, told the governor that he was in the state to inspect sports facilities and would hold discussions with the youths during his visit.
He advocated the review of the youth development policy to give the younger generation hope for a better future.
The minister condemned the situation where youths become ready tools in the hands of ambitious politicians and appealed to governors in the country to use one-third of their budgets for sports development. Governor Ortom dressed the Youth and Sports Minister in Benue colours as part of the visit. -
Ortom, Al-Makura vow to end Agatu crisis
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Tanko Al-Makura, have vowed to end the Agatu crisis.
The duo spoke at Obagaji, headquarters of the council, during a peace meeting yesterday. They vowed to implement peace initiatives to ensure the security of life and property.
They appealed to the people to allow peace by cohabiting with indigenous Fulani herdsmen as in the past.
Ortom lamented the “massive and unprecedented destruction” of Agatu and killings by herdsmen, but said there was no alternative to peace.
He urged the people to forgive and allow the Fulani born in the land to return, saying the Bible admonishes that vengeance belonged to God.
Ortom said his kinsmen were killed and property, including his ancestral home, destroyed by the herdsmen but they had since forgiven them and moved on.
He thanked Al-Makura for his commitment to peace and restated his stand that ranching remained the best approach to ending the clashes.
Al-Makura, who noted that there was no going back until peace returned to Agatu land, said the culture of impunity must not be allowed to continue.
He urged the people to have confidence in the peace initiative and maintained that other meetings will be convened, with selected stakeholders, to find lasting solution to the crisis.
Spokesmen of the Agatu people, including Sole Administrator Mr. Mike Inalegwu; member of the State House of Assembly Sule Audu, and Chairman, Peace and Reconciliation Committee Mr. Akpa Idu, called for reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, as well as extension of the Federal Government’s Northeast reconstruction plan to Agatu.
Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Hussein, apologised and appealed for forgiveness on behalf of Fulani people.
He pledged that his people will abide by resolutions taken by the security councils.
The spokesman accepted the registration of returning Fulani, monitoring of their movements and implementation of the ban on movement with arms by both parties, as demonstration of their commitment to the peace process.
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Shettima describes Ortom a great leader
•Be thankful, governor urges Benue people
Chairman of the Northern Governor’s Forum and Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has described his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom, as a great leader who brought peace to the state.
He spoke yesterday at the Government House in Makurdi when he, with his Kano and Bauchi State counterparts, visited Benue to hail the appointment of a new Tor Tiv.
Shettima said they were proud of Ortom’s achievement in the last 17 months, especially his initiatives, which brought peace between herdsmen and farmers.
Ortom lauded the governors for their solidarity, saying it demonstrates unity.
He said there was no land in Benue for grazing but with the support of the Federal Government, ranches could be established.
Ortom, assisted by the Chief judge and Speaker decorated the three governors in traditional Benue attires.
The governor has also urged the people to be thankful for God’s intervention in the affairs of the state.
Ortom spoke at the IBB Square in Makurdi, during an interdenominational night of praise organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the government.
He noted that his decision to dedicate the state to God yielded positive results as kidnapping, assassinations and farmers-herders crises, as well as other criminal activities had reduced.
The governor promised to continue to lead with the fear of God and work hard to guarantee security of life and property.
He lauded CAN for forging unity among the churches, irrespective of diverse doctrines, saying with the togetherness, a lot would be achieved in God’s work.
Ortom advised the people to eschew idleness by engaging in meaningful ventures, in line with Biblical teachings which says he who does not work should not eat.
CAN President Rev. Akpen Leva thanked Ortom for supporting the programme and urged their cooperation to enable the association successfully implement its programmes. -
Ortom promises to clear salary arrears
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has promised to clear outstanding salaries of state and local government workers in 2017.
This was contained in the Governor’s New Year message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase.
State workers are owed four months while local government and primary school teachers are owed eight months. Pensioners are owed 13 months.
Ortom, who felicitated with the people as they stepped into the New Year, said his administration had concluded plans to clear salary arrears in 2017.
“The wage bill of workers in particular will continue to be a priority as our administration plans to clear outstanding salaries at the state and local government levels,” he said.
The governor hoped that 2017 would be a better year which would offer greater opportunities to the people in different sectors of the economy
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Ortom, Ekhomu lauds Buhari on Sambisa victory
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the country’s military over the capture of Sambisa forest from Boko Haram insurgents.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Terver Akase, described the support given the armed forces by President Buhari as key to the success of Operation Lafiya Dole and which led to the conquest of Sambisa forest.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the government and people of Benue State, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment which has manifested in the defeat of Boko Haram in Sambisa forest. This again points to the fact that Mr President is keeping his promise to make all parts of the country safe again, and he deserves our applause.
“Our beloved gallant troops have once more demonstrated what they are known for. We are proud of them and we salute their determination and courage.”
Ortom hoped that 2017 will witness greater success in security to allow for speedy development at all levels of government.
President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) Ona Ekhomu has praised President Muhammadu Buhari on the fall of Sambisa Forest, the headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno State.
He said: “The capture of this important military objective is a significant achievement in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism and a major morale booster for the Nigerian military.
“Mr. President deserves high accolades for his focus, commitment and the political will that resulted in the fall of Sambisa forest.”
According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian military also deserves high praise for their prowess in the battle which resulted in the routing of Boko Haram terrorists from their last hideout.
Ekhomu, however, warned that the Nigerian government should not be tricked into a false sense of security.
“We shouldn’t think that it is over with Boko Haram; we shouldn’t think they have been defeated and are no longer a threat. That would be a big mistake.
“Boko Haramism is based on Salafist jihadist ideology. So, in addition to battle-field defeat, their perverted strict wahabbi ideology must be defeated before the war can be deemed to be over. If not, the conflict continues,” he added. -
Ortom greets Akume at 63
•Senator warns against litigation over Tor Tiv selection
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom greeted leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator representing Benue North West, George Akume, on his 63rd birthday, yesterday.
In a felicitation letter, Ortom thanked God for his grace and blessings on his (Akume) life, which helped him record great success.
A statement by Ortom’s media aide, Tahav Agerzua, said Akume’s leadership qualities endeared him to the people.
The governor prayed God to sustain Akume with long life, good health, guidance and protection so he would continue to offer purposeful leadership to the state and Nigeria.
However, Akume has appealed to contestants in the Tor Tiv stool not to resort to litigation.
He made the appeal at Saint Christopher’s Parish Wannune yesterday at a thanksgiving mass to mark his 63rd birthday.
The former governor said he and Ortom resolved to appeal to the contestants to accept the selection in the interest of the Tiv people.
The lawmaker said as a sign of his support for Prof James Ayatse’s appointment, he made his Gboko residence available for the monarch to occupy until his palace was renovated.
Senator Akume thanked God for his elevation in life and promised that he would promote unity, peace and progress in the land.
Parish Priest Rev. Titus Ashwe described the celebrator as a special gift to the people, religious denominations besides his contributions to developing the state and Nigeria.
He urged Akume to forgive those who may have offended him in the course of his life and move on.
Dignitaries on the occasion include former Deputy Governor Chief Steve Lawani; House of Assembly Speaker Terkimbi Ikyange; Majority Leader Benjamin Adanyi; lawmakers Bem Mngutyo (Tarka) and Nick Eworo (Obi); state executive council members; local government sole administrators and others. -
Ex-appointees beg Ortom for severance pay
Former political appointees, who served under the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, have cried out to Governor Samuel Ortom for their severance allowance in the spirit of the Christmas.
The appointees, comprising Senior Special Assistants (SSA), Special Assistants (SA) and Personal Assistants (PA) pleaded that they be paid from the N12.7 billion London/Paris club refunds to enable them celebrate Christmas with their families.
A letter to the governor, signed by Julius Ali, who was a SSA on Community Relations to Suswam, begged Ortom to have mercy and pay them so they can celebrate the yuletide with their families.
He noted that the former governor chose to pay himself and members of his EXCO but ignore them, adding that nothing had been done to Ortom’s directive that their severance and furniture allowances be paid after verification.
“We believe if our plea gets to the governor, his humane disposition to our plight will make him order for the payment because we are suffering,” Ali said. -
Ortom: I ‘won’t compromise Christian integrity
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has assured the Christian community that he would not compromise the Christian integrity in the discharge of his duties.
He spoke at the dedication of his adopted daughter, Destiny Eunice Iwueseter Ortom, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mega Parish, Makurdi.
Ortom said God prepared him for leadership at a time like this, noting that divine intervention would help the people to surmount challenges.
He said though he had been prudent with the management of state resources, the recession had made it difficult for Benue and 33 other states to pay salaries.
The governor said baby Destiny was a special gift from God, hinting that she had increased happiness in the home and exhibited signs that she was a precious child.
Ortom’s wife, Eunice, said she was inspired to adopt Destiny who was abandoned in the bush. She acknowledged as divine providence, the fact that Destiny shares the same blood details with her and her other children.
Provincial Pastor Mike Ayanbode urged Christians to acknowledge the blessings of God and never take such for granted.
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Ortom to pay two months’ salary before Christmas
•Ortom to probe $24m refund expenditure
•Gov. vows to arrest abductors of journalist
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has promised that workers will get two months’ salary before Christmas.
Ortom, who spoke at the Benue Peoples House yesterday, said the government would use the N12.7 billion debt refund for that purpose.
He said although the fund would not offset the two months, the government will source funds to fulfil its promise.
“We will ensure that workers get two months salary before Christmas. Though the Paris and London clubs refund is not enough for the two months, we will make up what is left.”
The government owes its workers and pensioners about four months.
The governor has said his administration would probe the $24 million expenditure, which the previous administration made from Paris and London clubs refund, which it received.
Ortom spoke yesterday at a thanksgiving mass and bazaar at Saint Rita’s Quasi Mission, Agber, Makurdi.
He said the previous administration received the amount as part of funds refunded by Paris and London clubs, for deductions without informing the people.
The governor explained that the money, which has not been accounted for, was, however, traced to a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account and assured the people of a probe to find out what happened.
While reiterating his commitment to providing critical infrastructure despite economic challenges, Ortom said the road linking Agber village to rest of the metropolis would be captured in next year’s budget.
The governor added that culverts and drainage channels would be built to solve perennial flooding.
Parish Priest Rev. Anthony Akaatenger appealed to Ortom to build two major drainage channels before next rainy season to save the people from flooding.
Rev. Akaatenger lauded the governor’s stance to partner President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption and prayed God to grant them the grace to succeed.
Retired Permanent Secretary and former governorship aspirant, Chief Akange Audu, who is a resident of the area and a parishioner, thanked the governor for worshipping with the community and urged him to remain resolute in the face of economic hardship.
Ortom vowed that abductors of Mrs. Iyuadoo Tor-Agbidye will be arrested.
He said although the abductors were on the run, security agencies have identified them and would soon be arrested for prosecution.