Ortom
Governor Samuel of Benue State, on Sunday, stated that the Federal Government and his former political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are persecuting him because he refused to surrender Benue lands to Fulani herdsmen.
Governor Ortom stated this at St. Michael’s Catholic Rectory Ameladu during a thanksgiving service in his honour.
He stated that the agenda of the invaders was not for grazing but to take over the land from the real owners.
While stressing that he would never be party to such evil agenda, Ortom however, reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting their interests no matter the level of intimidation and threats.
He maintained that his defection from the ruling APC was in rejection of a political party which treats the killing of his people with kid gloves, saying he could not remain in a party encouraging the killing of his people.
Ortom commended the spiritual and humanitarian works of the priest in charge of the Rectory, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asue, noting his interventions in health, education and empowerment had greatly complemented the efforts of government.