By Mathew Ajai-Kume
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has placed a ban on all forms of campaigns by his appointees, either for themselves or for others ahead of the 2023 elections.
The governor who announced the ban while interacting with journalists Wednesday at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, said it was too early for any of his appointees to engage in campaigns or political consultations, as the 2023 polls are still two and a half years away.
He stated that the present administration has the mandate to deliver good governance to the people and does not need distractions.
Governor Ortom said any of his appointees who fails to obey the directive will have to resign and concentrate on campaigning for 2023, stressing that it would amount to conflict of interest to remain in government and be campaigning for political positions.
The governor directed Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, to communicate the decision to all appointees.
Speaking on security, Governor Ortom called on the Federal Government to act fast and address the insecurity in parts of the country, beginning with the arrest of all armed herdsmen and other individuals terrorising innocent Nigerians, as the first step to restore peace and guarantee the safety of lives and property.
He said only sincerity of purpose by the Federal Government in tackling the menace of herdsmen attacks could calm tensions and build confidence among Nigerians.
Governor Ortom expressed delight that Benue was the first among states to enact a law prohibiting open grazing of animals and introducing ranching as the alternative which is now being embraced by other states as the best measure for ending the nomadic pattern of animal husbandry, which often leads to conflicts between herders and farmers.
Meanwhile, Governor Ortom also announced that his COVID-19 test has returned negative, after being in isolation and undergoing treatment.
He stated that he came out of COVID-19 positive status to a negative status looking stronger and ever ready to give all for the progress and development of the state.
“I want to thank the people of Benue State and the journalists working in the state for their support, kindness and prayers to God for the healing, the feat which has made me to be alive today,” he noted.
In his words: “Now that am back, I appeal to the people of the state to give me the total support to serve them better.”
Speaking on Benue at 45, Ortom who said the state is working hard to become great, called for team work to take the state to higher height.
