Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has given reasons why he has a very good relationship with Governor Samuel Ortom, saying his Benue State counterpart endeared himself to him by his firm belief in the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
The Rivers Governor made this known Thursday at the commissioning of the ultra-modern palace, residence, and office complex built by the Benue State government for the paramount ruler of the Idoma tribe, the Ochi’Idoma, in Otukpo, the traditional headquarters of Benue South District.
He recalled that last year he was in Gboko for the commissioning of a similar ultra-modern palace, residence, and office complex for the paramount ruler of the Tiv tribe, the Tor Tiv, who said that by providing edifices for the two paramount rulers of the state, the Governor had demonstrated his commitment to ensure fairness in his dealings.
He said, “What Governor Ortom has done by giving these two paramount rulers palaces befitting their status is a clear demonstration of equity, fairness, and justice.
“That is why my friendship with him will continue to grow because he is a man who believes in equity, fairness, and justice.”
On his part, Governor Samuel Ortom commended Governor Wike for always standing with the people of Benue in their trying times, saying the people would not forget his show of love and friendship.
The Governor, who pointed out the key roles traditional rulers play to ensure peace and stability in the state, said on several occasions, “I have received tremendous support and help from traditional rulers. Words of wisdom at all times come from them.”
The paramount ruler of Idoma kingdom, HRM Ochi’Idoma, John Odogbo, who commended Governor Ortom for putting up the befitting edifice, prayed to God to bless him.
The royal father said the complex would no doubt become a tourist attraction. He also prayed for a day when the people of Benue South would produce a governor for the state.
On his part, the convener of the Benue Rebirth Movement, AVM Monday Morgan (retd), commended Governor Ortom for the epoch-making event, saying “it will remain in our hearts and minds for long, and it should translate to the people of Benue South producing a governor in the state.”
The Benue State Head of Service, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke, who recalled that she was the first female to occupy the position in the state, also commended the Governor for being the first to appoint an Idoma son as the Chief Judge of the state.
The Tor Tiv and Chairman Benue State Traditional Council, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, who thanked Governor Ortom for lifting the traditional institutions in the state, said “you are living a legacy for which the generation yet unborn will remember you.”
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otupko, FUHSO, Prof. Innocent Ujah, said many never believed or dreamed that the Ochi’Idoma would get such a befitting palace.
He commended the governor for making it happen and for donating, for free, the General Hospital Otukpo to FUHSO as the takeoff teaching hospital, saying it was an attribute of a leader who desired the best for his people.
Also, former Senate President David Mark thanked the Governor for the edifice, which he said had made the paramount ruler and all Idoma people proud.
Speaking on behalf of those conferred chieftaincy titles by the Ochi’Idoma, Gen. Lawrence Onoja (ret. ), who appreciated the royal father for the honor, said with him on the throne, all the evil in the Idoma land would be cleansed and the people would be united.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Governor Ortom and his wife Eunice, Governor Wike, and Generals Onoja and Ode Edeh.
