Former Benue Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has advised his former counterpart from Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to defend his actions while in office.
Yahaya Bello has reportedly refused to honor the invitation of the anti-graft agency to defend himself over alleged involvement in over N80 billion fraud during his tenure as governor.
Speaking on Sunday at the Redeemed Church in Makurdi during a thanksgiving service organized by his aides to mark his 63rd birthday anniversary, Ortom urged Bello to honor the EFCC’s invitation to defend his administration.
Ortom stated that Bello’s continuous evasion would bring disgrace to former governors across the country, adding that former appointees should always come forward to give an account of their stewardship when called upon.
“I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need to hide, you don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond,” Ortom said.
He continued, “EFCC are human beings. If they are making inquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, I could not, I have tried those around him, I could not so I want this to be noted. So wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press are here, he should come out.”
Ortom expressed his gratitude to the Benue people for their support throughout his eight years tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of praying for leaders, urging Benue youths to utilize social media positively for development.
“Do not insult the leaders or elders on social media. We all must be part of the process to bring peace so that progress, prosperity and development will come. The youth must take advantage of the social media to bring development to themselves and to the state,” Ortom said.
He also expressed gratitude to God for his mercies over his life and family, stating that he left the government house a better Christian and would continue to worship in the house of God.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondakaa, Chairman of Benue PDP, Mr. John Ngbede, and Sen. Abba Moro, all appreciated Chief Ortom for his efforts in fighting for the security of the people. They prayed for more opportunities for him to contribute to the peace and development of the state.
