APC free to shun Benue stakeholders meeting, says Ortom

Tiv community seeks end to killings, marginalisation

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed the statement credited to the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that it will no longer take part in stakeholders’ meetings organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state. 

Ortom, in a statement, yesterday, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, maintained that he had no problem with APC’s decision to stay away from government events. 

His words: “When I took the mantle of leadership in 2015, I promised to be the governor of every Benue person, who will, at all times, make them part of policy formulation, decisions, and programmes of government. I have kept that promise in the last six years.

“If APC in Benue has great ideas to help the state to grow, as it claims, the stakeholders’ meeting offers the party ample opportunity to present its ‘good ideas for the benefit of the state. But the sentiment is raised on the proposed privatisation of government-owned enterprises is a jaundiced argument.”

He, however, assured that his administration would continue to address challenges confronting the people and would continue to involve them in all government’s decisions.

IN another development, the killings across Nigeria and the demands for the division of the country have become sources of worry to the Tiv community in Taraba State.

A communiqué, yesterday, in Jalingo after its annual conference and celebration of the feast of St. Augustine by the Tiv Catholic community in Jalingo Diocese, noted that the rise in secessionist agitators in some parts of the country was enough writing on the wall for leaders to urgently address the issues “before we get to a point of no return.”

The communiqué signed by the President, St. Augustine Tiv Catholic Community, Jalingo Diocese, Denis Hembaor, condemned all forms of killings, criminality, and marginalisation of minorities across the nation, and sought urgent solutions to the various vices bedevilling the country.

It reads: “We are deeply worried about the turn of events in our dear country. Nigeria is gradually being turned into a killing field and the small number of death no longer matters. We only get to know or hear of killings when the number starts from 10.”

The group urged the state government to redouble its efforts in resolving the crisis and make adequate security arrangements for the safe return and resettlement of displaced persons to their homes in Wukari, Ibi, Donga, Takum, Gassol, and Bali local councils.