From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom on Tuesday said he would forever remain grateful to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume for what God has used him to do in his life.
Chief Ortom described the SGF as “my leader and mentor,” saying whatever heights he had attained, senator Akume was very instrumental to it.

He therefore appealed to his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia to work closely with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for sustainable peace and development of Benue state.
The former governor stated this during his  63rd birthday celebration organized by his former aides.
While also appreciating Governor Hyacinth Alia for his good will message on his birthday, Ortom cautioned that Benue state has not had the position of SGF in the past and called on Governor Alia to make peace with him to enable the state to benefit from the position.
He said “Benue is our state, we have no other state and no one will come from anywhere to bring peace to Benue.
“Alia must sheath his sword and find ways to work with the SGF so that all of us can enjoy the dividends of that position.”
Ortom said that anyone advising the Governor to be at loggerheads with the SGF is not doing him well.
He noted that elections were conducted and won, litigation were entered and God gave him victory saying “It is his responsibility to do the needful so that Benue state will be at peace.”
Ortom lamented that Benue is under siege and the governor alone or the SGF and himself cannot do it alone without working collectively. He therefore noted that “We are available if we are called upon to support or add value to the peace efforts of the government so that our people can live and enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
While he admonished the Benue people to pray for their leaders, Ortom said “If I had my way, I would have made every Benue person a Governor even if it’s for a few days.
“The challenges are enormous. You would not understand the challenges we go through but when you are there, you will understand the issues better.
“Nigeria is passing through very difficult times and that was what I was fighting against and I’m happy that people appreciated what we were doing.
While appreciating his former appointees for organizing the celebration in his honour, Ortom said “I’m very humble for this special lecture on my 63 birthday celebration. This is not my first but this is the first time I’m witnessing a lecture and I must say that I’m blessed and enriched with all that was said here.
“I was taken unawares. You have made me know that I am appreciated. I thought I was used and dumped. I’m grateful to God for the 8 years in office. I did everything with the fear of God, with equity, justice and fairness.
“I must have stepped on toes and those I know and those I didn’t know, I ask for forgiveness. I am humbled by this programme and further encouraged by your presence, kind words and prayers,” Ortom said.
Guest Lecturer, Prof Samuel Aghalino, in the department of History and International Studies, University of Ilorin who is also the President Historical Society of Nigeria said “Ortom was that Governor with a face cap. Anyone with a face cap is a revolutionary.
Ortom played a significant role in extending politics beyond the borders of the state.
He is one of the few politicians that stood in defense of his people, and was passionate in standing for human value while also demonstrating uncommon leadership.
He was committed to the wellbeing of his people and stood vehemently, against the then government for murdering justice, fairness, equity and accountability adding that Ortom expressed a rare readiness to cooperate with the investigations.
“He was a servant leader at a great cost to himself. At a time, during the Buhari administration, the doors of Aso Rock, the seat of power was shut against him for speaking the truth to power and holding the powerful accountable. I wonder how he survived.
“Ortom believes that politicians do not have to strive to be perfect to provide good governance to the people because only God is perfect. In his mind, they only have to love the people, therefore when it comes to democratic considerations, Ortom represents the school of thoughts that existence must take precedence over essence in governance.”
He said Ortom will be remembered by his people for the numerous things he has done and still doing.
The lecture was graced by prominent personalities like the former what Attorney General of the federation and minister of Justice, Mike Aondakaa, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, Member representing Apa-Agatu Federal Constituency, Pastor, Ojotu Ojema, Former Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, representatives of the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, Ter Gwer Dominic Akpete, the Ochidoma, Ogabaidu John Elaigwu represented by Dr Chris Ijale among others