Traditional rulers from Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo local government areas in Benue State have given Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom royal blessings to pursue his governorship aspiration.
They gave the blessings at the palace of Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Fezanga Wombo where the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment interacted with them.
Shortly afterwards, major Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwarts from the area, gathered at the Holy Tent Inn, also in Katsina-Ala, gave the Supervising Aviation Minister massive support towards the realization of his ambition.
At the nearby public arena party executives from the 35 wards which constitute the Sankera Federal Constituency and those at the local government level expressed solidarity with Chief Dr. Ortom.
Speaking at the various places the aspirant expressed his indebtedness to the Sankera people, particularly to their son Governor Gabriel Suswam, for their contributions to his present status.
He recalled how his late father who served in the Nigeria Police at Anyiin borrowed money from a member of the Diaka family for his enrolment into secondary school as well as Governor Suswam’s contributions to his business and political careers.
The Minister pledged that if given the mandate he would also contribute to the individual and collective development of the people of the area.
Chief Dr. Ortom said he would govern with the fear of God who would give him wisdom in statecraft and guarantee transparency, accountability, selflessness, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation which shall engender peace, unity and progress.
He expressed happiness that Governor Suswam has laid a solid infrastructural base for the state in several sectors adding that he would sustain the gains and also add more value to the sectors.
The aspirant, who is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, assured that he would also sustain the enhancement of the status of the traditional institution embarked upon by Governor Suswam and further upgrade it for it to discharge special responsibilities as a body with institutional memory.
Chief Dr. Ortom pledged to tackle unemployment by creating wealth and opportunities through industrialization especially in the areas of agro processing and mineral deposits exploitation.
Those who testified for him and appealed to the people to give him the mandate included member of the House of Representatives for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Udende, Chiefs Simon Shango, Atsaga Anemba, Sylvanus Agagbe, Clement Adzuanongo and Michael Iduma.
They stressed that Chief Dr. Ortom was a God fearing and experienced politician, public servant and industrialist who had served at the local, state, and federal levels and whose business outfits have offered employment to hundreds adding that if elected Governor he would do more for the state.
At the palace, Chiefs Enoch Ikyumen, Jonathan Swift Ivuen, and Joseph Ordolough who spoke for district heads in Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala, as well as Chiefs Jimmy Meeme, Daniel Dzahan and Wombo second class rulers of the areas gave the aspirant royal blessings.
They said they were convinced that with his antecedents he possessed the capacity to be Governor and prayed over him requesting God to touch the people to elect him.
In the two other places the various speakers including John Tor Akume, Chiefs Abu King Shuluwa and Atodza Ihindan, Professors Daniel Saror and Iyorwuese Hagher, Senator Suemo Chia and Ndiir Saa described Chief Dr. Ortom, as a progressive and visionary leader.
They however, promised to consult with Governor Suswam who they described as the family head in arriving at a final decision on the matter.
Dr. Suswam who was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Professor Saint Gbilekaa promised to provide a level playing field for all aspirants who he enjoined to consult widely without rancor among them.
Signed:
Tahav Agerzua,
Media Adviser, Ortom Governorship Organization.
July 6th 2014.