… Ortom Urges Benue People To Rally Behind Alia
Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom as well as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 election, Rt Hon. Titus Uba have congratulated the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia over his victory at the Supreme Court.
Chief Ortom also called on the people of the state to rally behind Governor Alia to enable him succeed, adding that the revalidation of the election of Governor Alia, has brought to an end a robust process which has contributed to strengthening democracy in Benue.
This was contained in a statement signed by Terver Akase, Media Aide to Chief Ortom, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The immediate past Governor observed that, “The apex court’s decision to uphold Governor Alia’s election has brought to an end a robust process which undoubtedly contributed to strengthening democracy in the state and the country at large.
“The legal contest that ensued following the 2023 elections was fundamental in deepening our democratic values and principles. It is a reflection of the vibrant nature of our democracy and a demonstration of the rule of law at work. Now that Governor Alia’s election has been affirmed, it is time for all of us to wish him well as he leads the state.”
The former Governor therefore urged the people of Benue State “to rally behind Governor Alia and offer their support to the Governor to enable him succeed, and stressed that it was imperative that the people unite across party lines for the progress and development of Benue.
Akase further noted that, “He (Ortom) says as one who has led Benue before, he is conversant with the challenges of governing a state and the fact that the occupant of the seat needs the support and cooperation of the people.”
In conclusion, the former Governor wished his predecessor, Governor Alia, good health and success in his endeavors.
Also congratulating Governor Alia on the revalidation of his victory, his opponent at the 2023 election, Rt Hon Titus Uba of the PDP, said he has accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court in good faith.
In the statement personally signed by the PDP candidate, Uba said, “My good people of Benue State, as you are aware, yesterday, the highest court in the country, the Supreme Court gave its verdict on our governorship appeal before it which upheld the election of my brother, His Excellency Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia as Governor of Benue State.
“As a law abiding citizen who believes in the unity and development of our dear state Benue and our nation Nigeria, I have accepted the decision of the Court in good faith.
“I give utmost gratitude to God Almighty for having sustained me and my family in health and life to be able to offer myself for service during the 2023 election. It was my earnest desire to serve and make contribution to the growth of Benue State.
“However, it pleased God Almighty to give that opportunity to my brother His Excellency Governor Alia. I believe in the strength of our democratic institutions, and I trust that the best interests of Benue State will continue to be upheld.
“I therefore wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the Governor. I wish him success as he steers the ship of the state. I enjoin our people to accord the Governor all the support that he needs to enable him succeed.
“I want to specifically appreciate my leader, the leader of the PDP in Benue State and immediate past Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom for his mentorship and unquantifiable support over the years culminating in my emergence as the governorship candidate of our great party for last year’s election.
“In a similar vein, I commend and appreciate my running mate, Sir John Ngbede for his sterling qualities as a team player.
“I remain grateful to the entire leadership of PDP and its teeming followership in the state for finding me worthy of their endorsement and sustained support before, during and after the elections up to this point.
“I equally extend my sincere appreciation to all those who stood by me, believed in our vision, and worked tirelessly on our campaign. Your dedication and commitment have been truly inspiring, and I am honoured to have had your support”, he said. End.
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