…As crowed boo Gov.Ortom
From Aviashima Toom, makurdi
Former Benue state Governor, Gabriel Suswam has insisted that he is not a thief, neither is he a criminal as portray by Governor Samuel Ortom and his cohost and should not be regarded as such.
The former governor stated this yesterday during a thanksgiving Mass organized in his honour by the 8th Assembly lawmakers elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Dr. Suswam who has been accused by the Ortom led government of squandering state resources during his tenure as governor, insisted he did his best during his time in office even though he assumed office under a lot of challenges.
He mentioned projects executed during his tenure which include the Adikpo-Jato Aka road, Ge-Ikyobo-Agbeede road, the renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium, construction of roads in Makurdi town, amongst many others.
He also mentioned the rural electrification project that have touched many lives particularly those in the village as well as building of the new government house lodge.
He stated further that he has been praying for Governor Samuel Ortom to succeed in office, knowing fully well how difficult it is to operate as a governor of the state.
He reminded the people of how he never demonized his predecessor even when he was under a lot of pressure to probe his stewardship, but how his name is been mentioned at every given opportunity by the present administration to cover for their inability to deliver good governance to the people of Benue.
According to Dr. Suswam, his invitation by the EFCC did not in anyway indict him, saying he was only invited to go and give account of his stewardship which he gladly obliged.
While challenging Governor Ortom to get back to work in order to find a way to salvage the state, the former governor also urged all Benue indigenes not to put politics above the interest of the state. However called on those whom he unknowingly stepped on their toes to forgive him even as he said he has forgiven those who have wronged against him.
Earlier in his sermon, the Parish Priest of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Adolphus Kyuruke, said all have sinned and need restoration and forgiveness from God, and as such those who come to God will surely be forgiven. He called on all Benue people to work in unity for the good of the state.
Fr. kyuruke who said he sees no difference between the PDP and the APC, urged Suswam to reconcile with God and everybody, saying the church will continue to pray for revival and reconciliation for the overall interest on Benue and Nigeria.
Earlier Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, commended governor Suswam for what he did for the state even as he said Benue people do not celebrate success but rather prefer to pull one another down.
Represented his special adviser on special duties Architect Ikyaagba, said the government is faced with two major challenges, such as Security and the dwindling economy. According to him, the Amnesty programme has yielded positive results and efforts are in place to pay outstanding salaries.
Governor Ortom who received boos from a section of the crowed as well as shouts for “pay us our bailout money”, called for the unity of all Benue sons and daughters irrespective of party difference.
In a separate remarks, state PDP chairman, Chief Agbo Emmanuel, Dr. Jerry Agada, Mrs. Hannatu Ullam, Elder Ugba Uye, all thanked the PDP State Assembly members for putting the occasion together for the former governor.
They pledged their unalloyed support for Suswam, with a promise to always stand by him at all times. They also prayed to God to give Benue the same kind of judgment that was recently delivered at the governorship election Tribunal sitting in Taraba state, where Governor Darius Ishaku, has been asked by the court to leave office because he was not properly nominated by his party, the PDP.