‘You are talking trash’ – Benue govt blasts Ochetoha for rejecting new Och’Idoma

The leader of the selection Committee, Chief Ekpe Ogbu for the new Och’Idoma, has reacted to the submission of OchehatoK’Idoma that the process that produced the new Och’Idoma, Pastor John Elaigwu was a sham.

Ogbu, Benue State Information Commissioner who noted that all the procedures as contained in the state Chieftaincy law of 2015 were duly followed and adhered to said it was not the first time that the Chieftaincy law would be used since it’s enactment over six years ago.

“Have they been able to substantiate their claims? What you have just said is as good as a trash? Who did the Governor say they should vote for? The person that was declared as the winner, was he the only one that scored votes in the election?

“The process was done transparently. The law that was enacted in 2015 clearly stipulates the procedure and the procedure was followed strictly to the letter. And the procedure commenced from the accreditation which was exactly what we did. We accredited the king makers. Out of 31, 28 were physically present which means we got more than the required quorum for the exercise to commence.

“I don’t want to join issues with Ochetohak’Idoma but I’m giving you a clear picture of what really happened. Because as far as I’m concerned, their submission has no relevance with what happened.

“The provision of the Chieftaincy law which was passed in 2015 which has been tested and used for previous selection processes, either for replacement or selection of substantive positions that were created via the coming into effect of the law.

“It is not a law that is being experimented for the first time. Since 2015 the law has been used for either filling in vacant position or selection of substantive traditional rulers took place in most of the zones in the state, not only in Zone C alone.

“And before the law was finally given effect to, there were stages which also includes public hearing. All that is required was strictly adhered to to justify the process of selecting a new Och’Idoma. Accreditation was done and nominations were also made.”

He explained further that all aspirants to the position made efforts to consult with the Governor stressing that it was not a crime to do so.

“There were five of them that were aspiring for the position. And of course, consultations took place and if you’re aspiring for a position, you will agree with me that whoever is interested in taking leadership at that level must find time to consult with the Governor. You must.

“Virtually all the aspirants must have made efforts to consult with critical stakeholders. They must have also made effort to also consult with the number one citizen of the state. And of course, as one who operates an open door policy, are we insinuating that he should have shut his doors against all forms of consultations?

“Is there any of the aspirants in your own thinking that would not meet with the Governor? And is it a crime for him to grant audience to any of the contestants? Certainly, even if that takes place, should that be a crime for somebody to wake up and say he has influenced the selection in any way?

“I am saying that this stories they are putting forward are stories that as far as I’m concerned, do not really make up at all,” Ogbu submitted.