Benue Crisis: Ex-Gov Ortom Tells Gov Alia What To Do To SGF, Akume

Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, has sent a message to the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Ortom told Governor Alia how to relate with ex-Governor George Akume who is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. The camps of Governor Alia and Akume have been having political tussles in Benue amid the struggle for the control of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.

But Ortom advised Governor Alia to sheathe his sword and work with Akume to attract dividends of democracy to the state. He further expressed his allegiance to Akume, describing him as his leader and mentor in politics. Ortom spoke during the celebration of his 63rd birth anniversary, organised by his former appointees in Makurdi, the state capital,” he said.

He also lamented the current state of affairs in Benue, suggesting that the state is besieged and requires a united effort from stakeholders.

“Benue is under siege and requires collaborative efforts and we are available to add value and support to help our people to live in peace,” he emphasized. “Now that campaigns and litigations are over, we should be working together irrespective of political affiliation to defend the State from herdsmen invasion.”

“This is the first time the position of SGF is coming to the North Central and Benue in particular and there is every need for collaborative efforts between the governor, the SGF, and all the past and present leaders of the state to attract more development and fight against invasion of the Benue valley,” he added.