<<< By Terver Akase >>>
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has urged the people of the state to disregard allegations of diversion of the bailout funds being peddled around.
He said those circulating such news recently lost power and have resorted to sponsoring protests against the current administration.
Governor Ortom spoke during the 10th Priestly Anniversary of Rev. Fr Terfa Pius Desmond Uzan at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Dagba-Adagi in Kwande Local Government Area.
This was church where the parish priest and parishioners were assaulted by thugs suspected to be sponsored by chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2011.
When he worshipped there in 2014 while campaigning for election, Ortom apologized on behalf of the political leadership at the time.
He assured that his administration had transparently handled the disbursement of the bailout funds by including labour unions in the management of Joint Account as well as the bailout disbursement committee.
Governor Ortom reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to ensure that all persons who had looted the state treasury were brought to justice, stressing that it was no longer business as usual in the governance of the state.
He pointed out that Benue was already reaping the gains of the amnesty granted armed youths as security had been restored to many parts of the state while foreign and local investors were returning, reassuring that his administration will not arm youths to engage in thuggery.
The Governor congratulated Rev. Fr Uzan on his 10th Priestly Anniversary, thanking the priest and members of the church for praying for his victory at the last elections.
Highlights of the event were prayers offered for the success of the Ortom administration.