I Was Targeted For Elimination – Ortom

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that several attempts were made to eliminate him for his forthrightness and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Benue people.
He said that he would not be intimidated and nothing would deter him from speaking out against injustice and the maladministration in the country.
The governor, who spoke when he hosted a delegation from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, in Makurdi, said he would continue to propagate the principles of equity, fairness and justice.
He stated that at 61 God had been gracious to him, saying that he would not be scared of death for speaking the truth on issues that bother on the wellbeing of the people.
“Those who are keeping quiet about what is happening in Nigeria must remember that they have children because silence is consent.
“Nigerians must resist evil, I am playing my part and I promised myself that I will not be intimidated. So, nobody should think that he or she will cage Samuel Ortom because I believe that the God I serve will surely vindicate me.
“Though several attempts have been made to eliminate me, but God has always protected me. That notwithstanding I will continue to fight for equity, fairness and justice for the people of Benue State and we remain committed to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
While commending ASCON for offering to train 500 Benue civil servants in Makurdi, the governor promised that the training programme would be a yearly exercise to improve the capacity and professionalism of civil servants in the state as the engine room of government.
Earlier the Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Cecelia Gayya, commended the governor for approving the training of 500 civil servants in the state, saying the decision would positively impact on service delivery.
The Director-General who was represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Goodluck Audu, noted that the training was key to optimum performance in the service saying, “infrastructural development without capacity development could lead to administrative crisis; and if you do not train them, you do not blame them.”