Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has denied allegations that he did not achieve anything during his 8-year administration, saying “How can someone on earth say that for the 8 years of my administration, I did not construct even a toilet?”
Ortom, who spoke during a visit by members of the Independent Print Publishers Association of Nigeria (IPPAN) to his Makurdi residence, claimed that his administration was transparent and accountable, and that he consulted with the people of Benue State before taking major decisions.
He also alleged that the current government is hostile to him, and that he has been taken to various anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC, Code of Conduct, and ICPC, without any evidence of wrongdoing.
Ortom further stated that he did not embezzle funds meant for pensioners or workers’ salaries, and that his administration was able to pay salaries regularly despite the economic challenges faced during his tenure.
He advised the current government to take advantage of the resources available to them, which he claimed are four times higher than what he had during his administration.
Ortom also prayed for the success of the current government, saying “My prayer is that the government succeeds in adding value to the status of our people and bringing progress to our state.”
