Immediate past Governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom has said till today, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, remains his leader and mentor.
Ortom who disclosed this during the celebration of his 63rd birthday, organised by his former appointees in Makurdi, apologised to Benue people and other Nigerians whom in the course of his eight years tenure stepped on their toes.
He said whoever had offended him in any way is also forgiven for a peaceful co-existence.
Ortom also appealed to his successor, Hyacinth Alia to sheath his sword and work with the SGF and other stakeholders to attract more dividends of democracy to the State.
He said, “Benue is under siege and requires collaborative efforts and we are available to add value and support to help our people to live in peace, now that campaigns and litigations are over, we should be working together irrespective of political affiliation to defend the State from herdsmen invasion.
“This is the first time the position of SGF is coming to the North Central and Benue in particular and there is every need for a collaborative efforts between the governor, the SGF, and all the past and present leaders of the state to attract more development and fight against invasion of the Benue valley,” he said.
Akume in his remarks, described his journey with Ortom as highly historical and eventful in moulding lives and changing events. It is a journey that has spanned decades with leadership and followership burden.
Represented by Prof. John Tsua, the SGF said, “We have had good times, turbulence times and time of reconciliation, friendship and collaboration to secure our people and land, and on this day of your birthday, I wish you good health of body and mind with a renewed zee to keep contributing to the consolidation of our democracy, growth of our nation and state”
He said, “In the history of Benue State, I have helped a lot of people by the grace of God. Some have been good and others terrible. Because of people like Ortom who has recognized the burden of mentorship and leadership and is ready to embrace positive change, I will not stop helping and elevating people”
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