Local government and ward chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Benue North East Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Samuel Ortom for a second term in 2019.
They declared the endorsement at the Banquet Hall of the Benue People’s House in Makurdi yesterday.
Spokesman of the group and Kwande local government area APC Chairman, Mr. Iorfa Zoho, stated that Governor Ortom was the best man for the job.
He listed the reopening of the Benue State University and its graduation of more than 150 medical doctors, reconstruction of the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, ongoing facelift of over 700 primary schools, as well as implementation of minimum wage for primary school teachers as justification for the endorsement.
“The Anti-Open Grazing Bill that you have signed into law has made you first among equals, this law will put to rest the consistent clashes between farmers and herders.
“Zone A wishes to state without hesitation that you should make haste and declare publicly your intention for the Governorship of Benue state, come 2019,” he said.
The spokesman stressed that it had always been the trend and tradition from Aper Aku, “through our leader George Akume to Gabriel Suswam, all of them have done their two tenures,” adding that “Governor Ortom cannot be an exception.”
“A new Governor in MINDA will still ask for a second tenure, and this will delay the opportunity for Zone A to produce another Governor in 2023.”
Speaking on behalf of ward Chairmen, Mr. Terzungwe Gbashinbo, of Mbater Ward in Logo local government area stated that they agreed with the position of the local government chairmen on the matter.
In his response, Governor Ortom expressed appreciation for the visit saying it had encouraged him since the voice of the people is said to be the voice of God.
He stated however that he would seek divine guidance on the matter before making his decision public by the end of the year.
