The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has stated for the umpteenth time that he has no regrets for all his actions during his two terms in office as governor.
Ortom reiterated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Terver Akase, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday night.
Ortom’s statement stems from a series of debates ongoing on social media concerning the inauguration of the state security outfit by the Governor Alia administration last Saturday.
Some social media commentators loyal to the former governor have condemned the claim by Governor Alia, stating that the governor only remodelled the state security guard with an amendment of the law.
The commentators, who tried to put the record straight, said that the immediate past governor of the state, Ortom, actually established the security guard, known as the Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, by act of parliament.
While those loyal to the incumbent governor also admonished the governor for taking the state back to the same page with the presidency, which they claimed necessitated a public direct phone call received from President Bola Tinubu on the day of the inauguration.
But in the statement by Ortom, he appealed to the people of the state to rally support for the present administration, saying everyone has their own style of governance.
According to the statement, “The attention of the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom, has been drawn to the barrage of reactions and debates, both in the conventional and social media, following the launch of the State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), also known as ‘Anyam Nyor,’ by the current Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
“Many of the reactions had suggested that the present administration merely renamed the Community Volunteer Guards, which is a legacy of his administration.
“The former governor says it is natural to have differing opinions on governance and the direction of the state, but he implores those with strong views on the matter to remember that government is not a static entity; it is rather a dynamic and evolving system.
“He points out that the State Executive Council, in collaboration with the House of Assembly, has the constitutional power to make laws and amend existing ones to address development issues at any given period.”
“Chief Ortom appeals to the people of the state to support Governor Alia in his leadership journey and pray for the success of the present administration, as it will ultimately be for the benefit of everyone, including himself.
Ortom stated that he used his eight years in office to serve the people of the state to the best of his ability, guided by a deep commitment to the collective welfare and the protection of the land.
“I have no regrets about my commitment and the sacrifices I made to defend the Benue people against oppression and external interests that sought to undermine our rights and heritage as a people.
“My actions were always motivated by a desire to uplift our people, secure our God-given land, and ensure a bright future for generations to come.
“The establishment of the Community Volunteer Guards, Livestock Guards, and the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law were results of our pact with the people to always be on their side, as God Almighty was directing me,” the statement further read in parts.
The former governor encouraged the people of the state to refrain from hostility and divisive commentaries in the media, saying, “Instead, let us rally around our governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, offering support and constructive criticism.”
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