Major stakeholders including traditional rulers, politicians and union leaders in Gboko, Buruku, and Tarka local government areas have boosted the governorship bid of Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom with their blessings and expressions of support.
The Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment who also supervises the Aviation Ministry had visited the Jemgbagh people in continuation of consultations for the 2015 governorship elections.
He had told the various groups at separate meetings that having been born and raised in Gboko town he was not only familiar with their problems and aspirations but also attributed his success in life to the positive contributions of the people of the area.
Chief Dr. Ortom stated that if given the mandate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he would govern with the fear of God and add value on all sectors particularly employment generation as well as wealth and opportunities creation through industrialization.
He appealed to all eligible voters to ensure that they obtain their voters card in the on- going INEC exercise in the state so as to be able to discharge their civic duty.
The Minister enjoined his supporters not to destroy the campaign materials of any aspirant or engage in any act that would cause a breach of the peace.
At the palace of the Ter Gboko, Chief Gabriel Shosum, Chiefs Ayem Yenge, Nyikwagh Toryough, Azenda Yaji, who spoke for traditional rulers in Tarka, Buruku, and Gboko respectively, as well as Ter Buruku, Chief Afaityo Ajoko, all wished the Minister a successful outing.
They recalled the ceiling fans he installed in the chambers of the Tiv Traditional Council when he was Guma council chairman and the fact he had a family house in Gboko town saying they regarded him as one of their own.
At the residence of Mr. Simeon Tarka, former Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Yandev Amaabai PDP Vice Chairman for zone B and an Elder, Barrister Isaac Nomishan who spoke on behalf of Jemgbagh PDP elders forum testified that the aspirant was qualified for the job having been involved in active politics for decades.
Quoting from the Bible they maintained that the laborer was worthy of his wages.
At the Gboko Motor park where he started life as a tout in 1979, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Terkende Ishwa, pleged that the union would campaign for the minister to realize his dream for not only remembering his roots but also being the first politician to visit the park and solicit support.
At the Princess Suites and Gardens, Messrs Abraham Abam, Stephen Chirkpi, and Gideon Agber who spoke for PDP stakeholders in Gboko, Tarka, and Buruku stated that people from various sectors of the areas were excited with Chief Dr. Ortom’ s presence in the race on account of his background and antecedents and pledged their support.
Politicians from the Benue South Senatorial District on the minister’s entourage including Chief Mike Iduma, Engr. Okpe Onah, Hon Christy Adokwu and representatives of the Hausa community, Alhaji Abu Kenchi, Alhaji Garba Baba and Alhaji Ndabagi gave positive testimonials on Chief Dr Ortom’s capabilities and integrity.
They said as an individual his business conglomerate has offered employment to over 400 people adding that given the opportunity he would do much more for the people of Benue State.
Signed
Tahav Agerzua,
Media Adviser, Ortom Governorship Organization