Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has reaffirmed his earlier directive to all his appointees seeking elective positions to resign before or on the 30th of September, 2021 or be relieved of their appointments.
He spoke on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, during a meeting with top government appointees including Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Head of Service, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs as well as Principal Special Assistants.
Governor Ortom said he remains neutral and would not support any aspirant for the governorship or any other position until candidates emerge, after which he and the party would work for the success of such persons at the polls.
The Governor also charged his appointees to work harder by living up to their responsibilities in their various areas, saying his covenant and commitment to the Benue people remains unwavering.
The Governor said despite challenges confronting his administration which are economic and security-related, he has provided basic requirements for the people in all sectors.
He said he would not be weighed down by detractors because he became Governor by the grace of God and he believes that his Creator would not let him down.
Governor Ortom who lamented the activities of illegal checkpoints operators in the state, directed the review of appointees posted to the Board of Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, saying not more than one Special Adviser, Principal Special Assistant, Senior Special Assistant or Special Assistant should remain at the revenue agency.
In a remark, Benue State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu charged the appointees to take the admonishment by the Governor seriously and imbibe the habit of giving clarification on issues when such situations arise.
Responding on behalf of their colleagues, Frank Utor for PSA, Dr Bem Melladu for Chief Executives and Heads of Parastatals, Bem Dzoho for Special Advisers, and Barrister Michael Gusa for Commissioners, all pledged to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties.
