Governor Alia should prioritize development issues
Our attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, in which the immediate past Governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, was the target of numerous vitriolic attacks. The statement released by Governor Alia’s media aide contained a completely unwarranted barrage of hostile and hurtful words.
The statement revealed that Chief Ortom’s only “sin” was attending Dr Matthias Byuan’s 50th birthday celebration, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts, Federal Housing Authority, held in Agidi, Konshisha local government area.
His Excellency Ortom recommends that his successor maintain composure and avoid actions that could needlessly heighten political tensions
The mere fact that the former Governor was accompanied by other prominent Benue sons and daughters at the event in Konshisha should not cause Governor Alia undue distress or prompt his media team to launch a war of attrition against those who attended the thanksgiving, as is currently happening.
In accordance with the Constitution of this country, Chief Ortom, like any other Benue person, enjoys the freedom to associate with other individuals. The former Governor was invited to the birthday celebration and he duly attended. It is perplexing how the Agidi event has caused Governor Alia and his team considerable trouble.
His Excellency Ortom enjoins the Governor to channel his energies towards addressing the myriad of challenges facing the state instead of attacking perceived political opponents.
The present government has been receiving federal allocations four times higher than the previous administration. It is expected that Governor Alia and his team will get too busy tackling development issues with the volume of resources at their disposal, instead of showing interest in who takes pictures at public gatherings.
Many Benue people are being killed on a daily basis in their communities by armed herders and bandits. We expect that the security of lives and property will form the fulcrum of Governor Alia’s agenda. He should be preoccupied with the task of governance rather than being concerned about who attends which event.
Chief Ortom sincerely wishes Governor Alia success as he pioneers the affairs of Benue State.
Terver Akase
For H.E Ortom
January 3, 2025.
