…Backs 2027 Southern Presidency
By Amos Aar
FORMER Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of security and the economy, ranking his administration above that of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking during a live radio programme on Thursday, Ortom also denied allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure.
The live interactive programme on Agate Radio — a station allegedly owned by him — marked Ortom’s first media appearance since leaving office in 2023. It was hosted from his private residence in Judges Quarters, Makurdi.
Ortom, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), commended President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as a greater respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.
He noted that under Tinubu, controversial policies such as grazing routes, RUGA settlements, and cattle colonies had not been imposed on states, especially in regions like Benue where open grazing has remained a flashpoint for conflict.
Ortom acknowledged President Tinubu’s advocacy for ranching, which he believes is a more sustainable solution to farmer-herder clashes. “I’m a major farmer, and all my farming investments are based in Benue State. But I cannot go to my farm now,” Ortom lamented.
Responding to questions from journalists during the session, Ortom addressed the perceived silence he has maintained on security challenges in Benue since leaving office.
“I’m no longer the governor of Benue State. There is a governor in place. So, I can’t talk about addressing insecurity in the state,” he explained, insisting that the responsibility now lies with the current administration.
On allegations that his administration failed to pay salaries and pensions, Ortom admitted that his government struggled with financial obligations but rejected claims that he left massive arrears.
“I inherited seven months’ salary arrears from my predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, and I handed over just five months arrears to my successor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Government is a continuum,” he said.
Ortom attributed the salary delays to the twin recessions that occurred during Buhari’s presidency and the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized that the debt burden of N187 billion he left behind was far less than the over N300 billion debt, including pension arrears, which he inherited.
He argued that his administration was sabotaged by the federal government because of his refusal to compromise on issues he believed would have harmed the interests of the Benue people.
Ortom confirmed a claim by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, that he was denied access to a total of N75 billion in federal funds. This included a N40 billion interest-free loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria, which Ortom said was intended to clear salary and pension arrears, and another N35 billion meant for infrastructure development.
He alleged that the denial stemmed from his unwillingness to “sell out” the state. “It was Aondoakaa who initiated this and took me to the Villa, but I said I would not betray my people,” Ortom stated, suggesting that certain conditions were attached to the funds that he could not, in good conscience, accept.
Ortom also faulted the seizure of vehicles by the current administration, which he said were approved by the State Executive Council and officially allocated to his administration.
He claimed that many of the vehicles, including private ones brought in for servicing by the London Line workshop owned by one Mr. Emma Viashima, were wrongfully impounded.
“I did not commit any crime. All those vehicles were not just for me. Ter Kwande, his vehicle was there, he went for repairing. Ter Guma, his two vehicles were there, and others. They took them away and have given them to people who are now driving them.
“As I talk to you, the case is before the Commissioner of Police because the court has ordered that they should return the vehicles to Emma Viashima,” Ortom said, insisting that the act was a deliberate attempt to vilify him.
When asked whether he had declined or would accept any appointment from the Tinubu administration, Ortom responded that he would only accept an appointment that directly benefits his people.
“The one that was given to me was not in the interest of my people. That’s why I declined it. I must be myself,” he said. Though he did not disclose the specific position offered, National Record gathered that the appointment was to serve as an ambassador to a foreign country.
He reiterated that he has no plans to contest for any political office in 2027, but expressed willingness to support any credible candidate who may emerge.
During the phone-in segment of the programme, listeners offered mixed reactions. One caller, Tersoo Nande from Makurdi, harshly criticized Ortom for allegedly failing to pay workers and protect farmers from insecurity.
In response, Ortom stated that his administration was hampered by limited resources and that the current government has better opportunities to address the challenges. He urged the caller not to twist his statements for personal gain, saying: “Don’t go and use my name to look for bread from Alia and his appointees by misquoting me intentionally.”
Addressing the internal affairs of his party, Ortom said all disputes within the PDP have been resolved, and that the party is now united and preparing for its forthcoming national convention and the 2027 general elections.
He clarified that, to the best of his knowledge, the PDP is not in any coalition with other political parties, but may consider strategic partnerships where necessary.
On the 2027 presidency, Ortom, who now serves as a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, maintained his long-standing position that the presidency should remain in the South.
“The North enjoyed eight uninterrupted years. It is only fair and democratic that the South also serves for eight years. Come 2031, the North-Central zone can then make a strong case for the presidency,” he asserted.
Ortom called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for wisdom, courage, and strength to lead Nigeria through its current challenges.
