Akume vs Ortom: Sheath your swords, allow peace to reign in Benue – Suswam urges

Former Benue State Governor Sen Gabriel Suswam has appealed to all political actors in the state to sheath their swords and work towards ending insecurity in the state.

Senator Suswam who represents Benue North-East senatorial district at the National Assembly is currently out of the country on official engagements.

The ex-governor made the call against the backdrop of the demand by the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Governor Ortom to apologise for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Ortom had in a recent interview accused President Muhammadu Buhari of trying to ‘Fulanise’ the country, while reacting to the president’s approval of the recommendations of a committee to review 368 grazing reserves across 25 states in the country.

Responding to Ortom’s comment, the Presidency accused the Benue governor of ‘using language reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide’ to cause the deaths of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a former governor of the state, George Akume, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs described Governor Ortom’s comments about the president as ‘unwarranted and ill-motivated.’

‘We call on Gov Samuel Ortom to tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari, for using foul language on Mr President,’ he said.

Akume, in addition, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the administration of Ortom from 2015.

Reacting to Akume’s comment, Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the minister made the comments against Ortom in order ‘to secure a meal ticket’.

‘The outing of George Akume and others in Abuja was nothing more than a massage on the ego of the Presidency to curry personal favours. As long as he and his group secure their meal tickets, Benue can go to hell. A media attack on Governor Ortom instantly attracts a package from the Villa.’

Worried by the ugly development, Sen Suswam called on both leaders to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in the state.

In a statement released by his Senior legislative aide, Moses Ukeyima in Abuja, Sen Suswam noted that differences in opinion and approach to issues of governance among leaders should be resolved amicably rather than engaging in destructive brawls.

‘In the face of an existential threat, no sensible leader according to Senator Suswam will allow his people to be murdered gruesomely. Governor Samuel Ortom’s justifiable worries are, therefore, born out of genuine concern that many states in Nigeria have become insecure due to the criminal activities of different terrorist groups which are determined to tear the fabrics of our national unity.

‘Senator Suswam is urging Benue sons and daughters to be united with a common focus to end insecurity particularly in Benue State and the nation at large.

‘Concerning the decision of the Benue State Government to privatise moribund companies and assets, Senator Suswam believes that in free-market economies, privatisation is preferred because it stimulates economic activities and creates more jobs for people. The government, on the other hand, focuses on the provision of infrastructures and the implementation of policies that will encourage private investors to owe and manage their businesses profitably, thereby making the people prosper. The Senator is, therefore, calling on Benue sons and daughters to support the Benue State Government and actively participate in the privatisation process.

‘Senator Suswam remains immensely grateful to the Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness Professor James Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, other traditional rulers, religious leaders and the good people of Benue State for remaining fervently prayerful and hopeful that God will surely save us from the evil plans of our enemies.

‘The unity among federal legislators from Benue State according to Suswam will remain strengthened and they will continue to speak fearlessly in defence of the aspirations of Benue people,’ the statement read.