Former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has called on Nigerians—irrespective of political affiliations—to embrace unity and offer fervent prayers for national and state leaders, warning that the fortunes of the people are directly tied to the success or failure of those in power.
Ortom made the appeal on Sunday at his Makurdi residence during a solidarity visit by a joint delegation of Kwande indigenes drawn from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He stressed that leadership is divinely ordained and that citizens have a spiritual responsibility to support their leaders through prayers rather than insults.
“I am appealing to you to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia. If these people make a mistake, all of us will suffer. If they do good, you will enjoy,” Ortom said.
The former governor cautioned against the misuse of social media, urging citizens to refrain from insulting leaders online. He commended the Kwande people for their historical contributions to the development of Benue State, recalling that they produced the first Tiv governor and pioneered the creation of traditional Tiv fabrics.
“Kwande people have worked so hard for the progress of Benue. Though it may look as if you are not benefiting, God is the one that provides. That should not stop us from seeking what we desire and praying for it,” he noted.
Ortom lauded the delegation’s visit to Senator Akume, whom he described as the political leader of the state. In a lighthearted moment, he added:
“I have always said Akume is our leader. Some people disagree, but even in every community of monkeys, there must be a leader,”—a remark that drew laughter and applause.
The former governor also declared that he would not be contesting in the 2027 general elections, pledging instead to support the political aspirations of the Kwande people and any other candidate committed to the good of the state.
“What you want, that is what I will work with. I am a student of Paul Unongo in politics,” he said.
Earlier, Barrister Vincent Uji, APC Vice Chairman for Benue Zone A, lamented the pain and hardship faced by Kwande residents due to recent killings and displacement in the area.
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