Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Wednesday vowed to oppose any aggression directed at Benue land and her people.
Ortom stated this at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, (IBB) Square in Makurdi, venue of his swearing in as governor of Benue state for a second term.
Ortom, who expressed deep love for the people, thanked them for the overwhelming support given to him and his Deputy, Mr. Benson Abounu at the last general elections.
“You have loudly spoken with your votes and Nigeria and all of us have heard that you love me. It is my turn now to reciprocate the love by my action and activities.
“I love the Benue people. I appreciate the potentials of the people of the Benue valley. For that reason, I do willingly oppose any aggression strategically directed at you and our fertile land,” Ortom said.
He said his first tenure was faced with several challenges ranging from dwindling cash from federal allocation, insecurity among others adding that despite the challenges, he recorded tremendous achievements in education, health, agriculture among others.
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He, therefore, stated that “we have gone past the time for politicking. I assure you that by the Grace of God, I remain the governor of those who voted for me. I am the governor of those who did not vote for me. I am the governor of all.”
He called on all those who contested with him in the just concluded general elections and other political leaders across the divides to join him so that together, they can move the state forward.
“I will respect the Oath of office and by the Grace of God I will serve Benue people with all my heart. I know that my second tenure in office will be greater than the first because the end of a thing is greater than its beginning. I am convinced that with God, we are able to go up and take Benue state.”
The Chairman of PDP Chairman of PDP in Benue, Chief John Ngbede congratulated Orton on his inauguration saying the party will continue to cooperate and work with him to develop the state.
The Senator-elect for Benue North East, Dr. Gabriel Suswam also congratulated Gov. Ortom and the entire people of Benue on the well fought election and victory at the polls.
Suswam said Ortom deserved a second term having put his life on the line to save the state adding; “We as Benue people want to live a peaceful life and in unity with other tribes but we insist that other Nigerians must respect us as a people.
