We’re determined to do more in second term – Ortom

…Swears-in SSG, Chief of Staff

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says he is determined to do more for the people of the state in his second term. Ortom, who made the promise during his inaugural address shortly after taking oath of office for his second term as governor, said that his government, is “determined to do more than ever before to pay back the love and abiding faith which the good people of Benue have shown by giving us a second chance.”

The governor said that he would emphasise inclusiveness with regular consultation with stakeholders including farmers, traders, market women, traditional rulers, religious leaders, student leaders, unions and associations while transparency and accountability will remain the trade mark of his administration.

“There will be increased

welfare of staff and salaries will be paid as and when due,” Ortom said, while commending workers, civil servants and pensioners in the state for their understanding, insisting that by the grace of God, the problem of wages, pensions and gratuity will be resolved in his second term.

He is confident that the recently passed New Pension Scheme Bill into law by the State Assembly will help in addressing the protracted issue of pensioners and pension arrears.

“We are hopeful that this law and all the necessary ingredients of good governance will be deployed. Our government will be small, smart and prudent,” he said.

The governor names other areas of focus in his next four years to include: Reconciliation, peace and security; widen the scope of rural and urban critical infrastructures; revitalisation of agricultural industrialisation; promotion of human capital development with emphasis on steam based quality education and unveiling the Benue of our dream with can-do spirit.

Ortom, who itemised his achievements in the last four years according to the five thematic areas of his policy direction, said that “strength does not come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you could not do.”

While reiterating his call to those who contested the 2019 Benue Governorship election with him and other political leaders to join hands with him to move Benue forward, Ortom adds that “we have gone past the time for politicking. I assure all of you that by the Grace of God, I remain the governor of those who voted for me. I am the governor of those who did not vote for me. I am the governor of those who did not vote. I am the governor of all.”