By Sunday Iduh
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of tribes, religion or political affiliation to make service to the nation their watch word.
The governor made this known Tuesday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi during a courtesy call on him by Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), who are in the state for their conference.
Governor Ortom, who thanked the national president of ANAN for choosing the state for their conference, said the state was always out to protect her lands which the people use as their means of livelihood.
“Many may not understand why we fight against the invasion of our land. The only gift God has given us is agriculture. Rearing cattle is also part of agriculture. But, as a responsible government we made a law to confine cattle, taking after the global best practices of ranching so that herders can do their business and the farmers can also farm without any form of harassment. That is the intension of the law.
“We depend on agriculture. That was why we banned open grazing of cattle. We don’t have problems with legitimate Fulani in the state. I am against anyone, who is out to kill our people with the aim of taking our lands away,” he stated.
He said that, as a responsible government, his administration remains committed to protecting the people of the state against any form of threats.
The governor assured ANAN of the sustained support of his administration.
Earlier, the National President of ANAN, Prof. Benjamin Chuka expressed appreciation to the governor for the conducive environment in the state, stating that they were aware of the situation in Benue State.
He said: “We have heard your voice across the nation. Thank you for being a voice for your people. ANAN is behind you and in support of what you stand for.”
Prof. Chuka commiserated with the governor and the people of the state over the unfortunate incidents and prayed that God continues to protect the people of the state.
He disclosed that they were in the state for their conference which will broaden the knowledge of members.
The national president thanked the governor for appointing their members into his administration and for also donating a portion of land to the body for its secretariat project.