By Jimin Geoffrey
Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday lauded the uncommon commitment and hardwork exhibited by the Chairman and Members of the 2019 State Transition Committee, saying they surpassed his expectations.
He spoke at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while receiving the report of the 46-Member committee chaired by a former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
The Governor who stated that implementation of the recommendations of the committee were achievable noted that if only fourty percent is implemented, Benue would be among the best in the country.
He stated that as soon as the State Executive Council was constituted, a retreat would be organised for cabinet members, top civil servants and Assembly members to identify and chat a focus so that all stakeholders will know the direction of government judging from the report presented.
He charged members of the committee to be prepared to supervise and oversee the implementation process and to make inputs where necessary for the desired result to be achieved, stressing that his desire is to build a solid foundation in his second term for his successors to follow.
The Governor who expressed the readiness of his administration to welcome constructive criticisms that would add value to the development of the state, thanked the committee members for a job well done and prayed God to bless the works of their hands for the sacrifices they made to produce the report.
Chairman of the Transition Committee in his report said the committee was surprised at the depth of physical and institutional decay in the state, stressing that the public service in Benue exists only in name.
The committee urged the Governor to join the league of great leaders by taking firm decisions, some of which might be unpleasant, in order to revive the state.
The committee recommended among other things, selection of competent and capable team with the vision and commitment to serve the state in the cabinet and other strategic positions, immediate rehabilitation of public offices, engagement of reputable ICT company to help establish integrity of staff both at the state and local government levels as well as broadening the definition of IGR beyond taxes and fines.