No policy somersault on ranching in Benue – Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says there is no policy somersault concerning the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the State.

Governor Ortom spoke with journalists today after inspecting completed and ongoing projects in Makurdi, the State capital.

He said the statement credited to his Education Commissioner, Professor Dennis Ityavyar that there is land for ranching is true, stressing however that those intending to do livestock business must acquire land through lease and ranch.

Governor Ortom denied knowledge of any negotiations between leaders from Benue and Miyetti Allah leadership about farmers and herders crisis, saying such had not been brought to his table.

The Governor who commended the contractor that handled the construction of the 9 kilometer Apr-Tse-Poor road for a job well done but condemned a contractor with the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB for executing a shoddy job.

The Apir-Tse-Poor road project and electrification spanning 12 Kilometres according to the Governor cost N1.4 billion to execute.

Governor Ortom directed SUBEB Chairman to ensure that all primary schools in Makurdi and other major towns are provided with customised desks and chairs, stressing that counterpart fund of N1.6 billion was being sourced to access same amount for the purchase of more furniture for schools.

He also directed that work should be completed on the Board of Internal Revenue Service Official Complex without delay for occupation said when completed, the structure would be named ‘Aper Aku House.’

Other projects inspected include Benue Geographic Information Service, BENGIS, under construction at the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, permanent office complex for Ministry of Housing and other Government agencies.

Construction work on Benue Geographic Information Service, BENGIS, Benue Television, Administrative Block of Benue Benue Peoples House, Arabic Primary School, Central Primary School and Holy Ghost Primary School all in Wadata were also inspected.