By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed allegations that his administration borrowed more than ₦139 billion, describing the claim as false and urging the public to disregard it.
Ortom made the clarification during a meeting with members and stakeholders of Agasha State Constituency from the Nongov extraction at his Makurdi residence over the weekend, where he also called for unity and renewed commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting provided the former governor with an opportunity to brief his constituents on political developments in Benue State, the current state of the PDP at the national level, and preparations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Addressing security concerns, Ortom reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Anti-Open Grazing Law and the Ranching Establishment Law, maintaining that both legislations remain the most effective and sustainable solutions to the persistent insecurity confronting Benue State.
He expressed confidence in the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), saying the party’s flag bearer shares the same commitment and would ensure full implementation of the laws if elected governor in 2027.
The former governor urged party faithful to remain united, steadfast, and committed to delivering victory for the PDP by supporting Aondoakaa and other party candidates contesting legislative seats at both the state and national levels.
He thanked the people of Nongov and Benue State for the support they gave his administration and assured them that he would continue to serve the people despite leaving office over three years ago.
He also pledged to sustain engagements with various groups across Guma Local Government Area and beyond to counter what he described as “deceit and propaganda” against his administration.
Earlier, the PDP Chairman in Guma Local Government Area, Hon. Simon Anyamkande, urged party faithful to continue supporting Ortom, particularly as his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom, seeks election to represent Benue North-West Senatorial District.
Leader of the PDP in the Nongov extraction and President of the PDP MINDA Elders Forum, Hon. Charles Torbunde, announced that the Nongov people had unanimously adopted Dr. Eunice Ortom as their sole candidate for the Benue North-West Senatorial seat.
He urged members to remain united and avoid actions capable of undermining the decision.
On his part, the member representing Agasha State Constituency, Hon. Williams Ortyom, reaffirmed his loyalty to the former governor and pledged support for all PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.
PDP candidates for Agasha State Constituency and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Rodney Mtagher and Dr. Emmanuel Shior, respectively, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and promised to justify the trust if elected.
The stakeholders at the meeting unanimously endorsed wife of the former governor, Dr. Eunice Ortom as the preferred candidate for the Benue North-West Senatorial District, expressing their commitment to mobilise support for the party in the forthcoming elections.
