June 30, (THEWILL) — Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, has revealed that the then governor of Benue state, Chief Samuel Ortom had turned down N75 billion offer to allow for open grazing in Benue State.
Aondoakaa, who made the disclosure at his 63rd birthday Thanksgiving mass held at the Catholic Youth Centre, Makurdi on Sunday, commended Ortom’s strength of spirit and character in the wake of the temptation.
The former Minister explain that he decided to cancel his initial birthday celebration as a result of the Yelwata attack by armed herdsmen, noting that former governor, Gabriel Suswam, was also instrumental in the development of the state, acknowledging that it was during his era that prominent sons and daughters of Benue were appointed into key positions by the federal government.
While listing such appointments to include NAFDAC, EFCC, NEXIM Bank, among others, Chief Aondoakaa said he decided to bring senator Suswam and Ortom present in the church as a sign of unification to fight a common enemy of the state.
According to him, if Suswam and Ortom are united as former governors, they are capable of ending insecurity in Benue State since they all know what it takes to tackle invaders.
In his remarks, senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, described Aondoakaa as a detribalised person that embraces all that comes his way.
Moro recalled that in 2007 when he was consulting for governorship in Benue State and arrived at Aku village, he called on Chief Aondoakaa, who came over to the venue of the ceremony without hesitation.
“Chief Aondoakaa has the capacity to establish himself anytime. He donated a transformer for Otukpa community and other communities in the state”, Moro stated.
Senator Moro said the development and peace of Benue state is most paramount at the moment, hoping that the gesture of Thanksgiving is good omen for the celebrant.
In his remarks, Senator Suswam noted that Chief Aondoakaa created employment to Benue indigenes while serving as Minister, and other opportunities at his MICAP rice processing company.
According to Senator Suswam, he inherited herdsmen crisis just like Ortom and now the Alia administration, adding that only unity of purpose by all Benue stakeholders would tackle the menace headlong.
On his part, former governor, Samuel Ortom, aligned himself to calls that only unity can end the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, warning social media actors from fanning the embers of division amongst the political class.
He decried insults being hauled on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, Senator Suswam, himself and Bishop Anagbe, by youths in the state.
“The governor’s seat is heavy and hot which requires prayers for an occupant to succeed. Governor Alia as a human being requires prayers to succeed in his duty”, Ortom stated.
Highlights at the Thanksgiving mass was raising of funds for the completion of the ongoing hall project at the centre.
Earlier, in a homily, Revd Fr Titus Igese, stressed the importance of Thanksgiving, and commended the celebrant for remembering to seek the face of God at 63 years on earth.
Father Igese, also thanked Chief Aondoakaa for shifting his birthday celebration in the wake of attack on Yelwata community, saying Benue is under siege with killings, as it was out of place if one is celebrating, while others are mourning, and prayed to God to bless him with sound health and many more years ahead.
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