Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has asked the judiciary to deepen the democratic process in the country by ensuring that election petitions before them are transparently handled.
Governor Ortom made the appeal in Abuja explained that although the electoral process had been completed and winners declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the process was marred by irregularities.
He said it was due to the alleged widespread malpractices that took place during the elections that many candidates have filed petitions at various tribunals, stressing that to stabilize the system, judges must be fair to all.
According to Governor Ortom, “Without peace we cannot make progress in our country. And I want to encourage our people, especially those who have lost the elections to allow the democratic institutions to take their course and ensure that we see it to the end.”
He went on, “The electoral process has been completed and now we are in the judicial process and so let us follow them and ensure that the outcome, which we hope will be justified by all those who were aggrieved.
“And I want to encourage the judiciary, they are the last hope in the democratic process, whatever they say will come to stand. I want to say that they took an oath of office before God Almighty, they should ensure that what they are doing is truthful.”
Governor Ortom expressed gratitude to God and the people of Benue for the support they have given him over the years, saying “from what I have heard from the people, I did not lose any election but rather equity, fairness and justice as well as patriotism lost.”
The Governor thanked Mr. Hembah for organizing the dinner to celebrate his new age, stressing that he was a dependable, reliable and true friend and prayed God to bless him.
The host, Mr. Hembah had earlier said Governor Ortom deserves to be celebrated because he was a blessing, not only to Benue State but Nigeria as a whole, adding that “my friendship with the Governor transcends the office he holds.”
Professor Iyorwuse Hagher, Mr. Adaa Maagbe, veteran broadcaster, Atsen Ahua and his wife, Maj-Gen John Malu (rtd) and Maj-Gen Myam as well as House of Representatives members, John Dyegh, Bem Mzondu, Bob Tyough and Samson Okwu spoke glowing of Governor Ortom’s qualities as a fearless leader.
Others present included Dr Tivlumun Nyitse, Chief of Staff to the Benue State Governor, Rt. Hon Terngu Tsegba, Terhemen Andzenge, David Olofu, Commissioner for Finance, Benue State, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Dr Tunde Olusunle, Hon. Julius Atorugh, Hon Ngunan Addingi, Hon Ngunan Agera among many others.
They all described Governor Ortom as a unique politician who has demonstrated an uncommon courage in leadership that is missing in many political actors in the country.
