Akume was instrumental to whatever I am today-Former Gov Ortom.

By Ogli Aboje, Makurdi

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said he would forever remain grateful to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. George Akume, for what God has used him to do in his life.

Chief Ortom described Sen Akume as “my leader and mentor,” saying whatever heights he had attained, Sen Akume was instrumental to it.

As a result, he appealed to his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia to work closely with the SGF for sustainable peace and development of Benue state.

The former governor spoke in Makurdi on Tuesday during his 63rd birthday celebration, organized by his former aides.

While he appreciated Gov Alia for his good will message on his birthday, Ortom cautioned that Benue state has not had the position of SGF in the past and urged Governor Alia to make peace with the SGF to enable the state benefit from his position.

His words: “Benue is our state, we have no other state and no one will come from anywhere to bring peace to Benue.

“Alia must sheath his sword and find ways to work with the SGF so that all of us can enjoy the dividends of that position.”

Ortom said that anyone advising the Governor to be at loggerheads with the SGF is not doing him well.

He noted that elections were conducted and won, litigation were entered and God gave Gov Alia victory saying “It is his responsibility to do the needful so that Benue state will be at peace.”

The former governor lamented that Benue is under siege and the governor alone or the SGF and himself cannot do it alone without working collectively with others.

He, therefore, noted: “We are available if we are called upon to support or add value to peace efforts of the government so that our people can live and enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

While he admonished the Benue people to pray for their leaders, Ortom said “If I had my way, I would have made every Benue person a Governor even if it’s for few days.

“The challenges are enormous. You would not understand the challenges we go through but when you are there, you will understand the issues better.

“Nigeria is passing through very difficult times and that was what I was fighting against and I’m happy that people appreciated what we were doing,” he said.