Ortom did his best as Benue governor – Abba Moro

The Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, PhD, has commended former Governor of Benue State, H.E. Dr. Samuel Ortom, for his inclusive leadership style, describing him as a unique leader who never took unilateral decisions while in office.

Speaking during a solidarity visit to Ortom by his former aides, which included all former Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Agencies/Boards, Principal Special Assistants, Board Chairmen and Members, SSAs, SAs, PAs, elected/caretaker chairmen, and supervisory councillors who served under him from 2015 to 2023, Moro praised the former governor’s consultative approach.

Senator Moro, who was unable to attend due to official assignments abroad, was represented by Rt. Hon. Solomon Onah, former General Manager of BENSESA. Onah likened the visit to the biblical story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, noting that Ortom’s former aides returned to show appreciation for his leadership.

Moro said: “The solidarity visit to Ortom is like the healing of ten lepers, of which only one came back to thank Jesus. Ortom did his best as Governor. He is unique. He does not take unilateral decisions in governance; he consults widely, including with market women. That is why he is loved by all.”

He further urged Ortom to continue engaging with the people, saying:
“I thank all of you and I congratulate Ortom for his leadership style. I urge the former Governor not to run away from the people, but to stand by them, because they have nowhere else to turn but to follow his example.”

The remarks were delivered in Makurdi on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during the solidarity visit.