From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has appreciated his supporters and well wishers for their concerns over his unjust harassment and persecution and that of his subordinates by the Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia led government, since they left office.
Ortom who spoke in a press statement signed by his Media Aide, Terver Akase, has, therefore, appealed to supporters to remain calm.
He said he has seen and appreciates all the comments and concerns being raised in several quarters over his travail and that of those who served under him in form of harassments, confiscation of cars as well as petitions to anti graft agencies and arrests.
Ortom who stated that he is capable of responding to issues concerning his eight years of administration, urged his well wisher to restrain themselves assuring that justice would prevail.
He also admonished them against any act that could heat up the polity assuring that he was capable of responding to issues raised against him and other officials of his government.
The statement read: “Chief Ortom deeply appreciates all the concerns being expressed by different people over his harassment and those who served his administration in form of petitions to anti-graft agencies, arrests and impoundment of vehicles.
“He however calls for calm and urges those making statements regarding the situation to exercise restraint and not heat up the polity.
“The former Governor says he is capable of responding to the issues being raised against him and other officials of the previous government and has always made known his belief in the rule of law.
“He reiterates his readiness to make himself available to respond to issues bordering on his administration whenever the need arises.
“Chief Ortom is grateful to all his supporters and well wishers for their prayers and messages of goodwill.”