SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: GOV ORTOM DID NOT NEGLECT IHYAREV
By Prince Aondona Isaka
It has become necessary for me as a son of Ihyarev nation, to respond to the ongoing campaign of calumny and misinformation championed by certain individuals against the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, as well as other respected personalities in our land.
Let it be stated clearly and without equivocation: the claim that Governor Ortom neglected the people of Ihyarev during his eight years in office is false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.
The facts tell a very different story from the twisted narrative:
From the very inception of his administration, Governor Ortom demonstrated inclusiveness and goodwill towards the Ihyarev nation through strategic appointments and opportunities that placed Ihyarev sons and daughters in positions of trust and influence.
Notable among the Ihyarev sons Governor Ortom gave key positions were:
Hon. Boniface Ortese, appointed as Head of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
Ortom describes Dan Agbese as an icon of journalism
Dr. Titus Zam, Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
After Zam, Governor Ortom appointed Hon. Jerome Torshimbe, another Ihyarev son, to head the Local Government Bureau, and even after the unfortunate death of Torshimbe, Governor Ortom still honoured Ihyarev by appointing another of their sons to that same office, in the person of Barrister Ken Achabo.
Throughout the eight-year tenure of Chief Ortom, Ihyarev continued to feature prominently in governance. It must be noted that Chief Ortom did not appoint any Nongov person (his kinsmen) as a Commissioner in the eight years of governorship!
Among many other Ihyarev sons who got influential positions under Governor Ortom were:
Dr. Mathew Mnyam, Special Adviser on Primary and Secondary Education and later Acting Chairman of SUBEB.
Dr. Emmanuel Shior – Executive Secretary, SEMA
Prof. Tivlumun Nyitse – Chief of Staff to the governor (2021 to 2023)
Chief Hon. Mike Adyo – Special Adviser on Basic Education
Hon. Aondoaver Unenge – Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals
Hon. Anthony Shawon – Guma Local Government Chairman.
Prof. Cletus Tyokyaa – DG PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Organization 2023.
In addition, numerous other Ihyarev sons and daughters and wives served as Commissioners, Principal Special Assistants (PSAs), Special Assistants (SSAs), including Barr. Mrs. Mwuese Mnyim, Barr. Franc Utoo, Hon. Godwin Donko, and Hon. Mlumun Chagu, among others.
Beyond political appointments, Governor Ortom’s administration also executed numerous development projects in Ihyarev land. These projects can be seen in parts of Makurdi, Gwer West and Guma. He also facilitated the promotion of Ihyarev professionals in the public service.
The records are clear. The facts are verifiable. Sentiments cannot replace truth.
Let me conclude by appealing to our collective conscience. The people of Ihyarev, Lobi/Gwer, Nongov, and Masev are bound by an indivisible consanguinity that transcends politics and personal grievances. Hate speech, name-calling, and incitement against our leaders and elders degrade us all, corrode trust, and endanger our shared future.
Instead of investing energy in calumny and invective, let us channel our efforts towards constructive engagement, unity, mutual respect, and collective progress. That is the path to peace, prosperity, and the enduring well-being of the Ihyarev nation.
The truth remains: Governor Samuel Ortom did not neglect Ihyarev. He stood with Ihyarev. History bears witness.
