The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has congratulated his erstwhile benefactor, Senator George Akume on his appointment as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Governor Ortom, on Friday expressed confidence in the ability of
Senator George Akume to discharge his new assignment in the overall interest of the country and the state in particular.
The governor stated this in a letter to the Minister, a copy of which was sighted by Vigil360.
In the letter, Ortom expressed confidence in the ability of Senator Akume to “use his wealth of experience in public service to bear on the discharge of his duties.”
The letter reads in part
“As an illustrious son of Benue, I wish to identify with you, and I am optimistic that your new appointment will open a new vista of greater service for the development of our dear state and the nation in general.”
He also prayed God to grant Senator Akume good health and wisdom to effectively pilot affairs of the Ministry.
Ortom and Akume became political rivals before the elections. Afraid that he might lose a return ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC where Akume is considered as a Godfather in the state, Ortom defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, contested and won reelection. Ortom also frustrated Akume's efforts to return to the National Assembly by supporting Senator Gabriel Suswam.
Before 2015, Akume had used his political structure to facilitate the election of Ortom as governor of the state.
