July 10, (THEWILL) — Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has accused the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of enabling deadly clashes between farmers and herders by turning a blind eye to the consequences of open grazing across the country.
Speaking during a live programme on Agate Radio and Television in Makurdi on Thursday, Ortom said powerful interest groups within Buhari’s government championed open grazing despite the realities of Nigeria’s growing population and dwindling land resources.
He alleged that his refusal to support the open grazing agenda led to deliberate economic sabotage against his administration, including the denial of a N35 billion bailout meant to clear salary arrears and a N40 billion interest-free loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Because I stood against the open grazing policy, which was impractical in the face of our current realities, they punished Benue State by withholding funds we were legitimately entitled to,” Ortom said.
The former governor, who reaffirmed his position as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue, said the party would scrutinize all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure only credible candidates receive support, both at the state and national levels.
“I remain a loyal PDP member and leader in Benue. In 2027, I will support a Southern presidency because the North has had its turn with Buhari’s eight-year rule. I don’t believe in forced political coalitions; partnership should come only when it’s necessary,” he said.
On national issues, Ortom praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a more pragmatic approach to governance, especially in handling security matters and the removal of fuel subsidies.
“President Tinubu is doing well, particularly in implementing the rule of law. In the past, fuel subsidy was nothing but a scam designed to enrich the powerful. Today, major marketers are competing, and fuel queues have disappeared,” Ortom noted.
He also commended Tinubu for acknowledging the performance of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, despite the fact that Wike is a member of the opposition PDP.
However, Ortom accused Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, of vilifying his administration since assuming office in 2023. He cited the seizure of vehicles belonging to traditional rulers, which he said were taken from a workshop where they had been sent for repairs.
“Governor Alia has made it a point to target me and my legacy, even going as far as confiscating vehicles that don’t belong to my government. Some of these vehicles were brought in by traditional rulers,” Ortom alleged.
Despite the differences, Ortom said he continues to pray for Governor Alia’s success, urging him to focus on delivering good governance for the benefit of all Benue citizens.
