No rift between Ortom and Catholic Diocese, says aide

Media aide to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Terver Akase, has said there was no rift between the governor and the St. Christopher’s Catholic Church.

He said contrary to insinuations that the governor had a misunderstanding with the Catholic Church during a thanksgiving mass yesterday in respect of George Akume at the Church in Wannune, Tarka Local Council of the state, the reverse was actually the case.

Akase explained that Ortom did not in any way feel slighted when the Priest in charge of the Wannune Parish did not permit him to speak during the mass in accordance with the Diocese’s tenets.

“My boss understands and respects the decision of the Gboko Catholic Diocese not to allow politicians to speak during masses and, therefore, would not have felt slighted.

“He won’t allow the cordial relationship he has built with the Church over the years to be jeopardized under any circumstance,” he added.

Akase further urged those amplifying the incident and making inflammatory comments for political reasons to sheathe their swords and stop fanning unnecessary embers of resentment.

“Governor Ortom is a God-fearing leader, who submits himself to Christian authorities and has enormous regard for the Catholic Church in particular,” he stated.