Dr Samuel Ortom, The incoming Governor of Benue state On Saturday, May 9, 2015 vowed to appoint only 13 commissioners, 15 advisers and also shed more light on his grouse with Governor Gabriel Suswam, promising to investigate the administration of the incumbent
The Governor-elect alleged that Gabriel Suswam tried to frustrate his political ambitions to no avail, even though he was very loyal to him and the party.
Ortom responded to his failure to gain the Peoples Democratic Party governorship ticket in Benue state due to Governor Suswam’s insistence on giving it to his loyalist, Terhmen Tarzoor.
Ortom then had to join the All Progressives Congress and eventually represented the APC and won the governorship seat in Benue state.
He further described the Governor’s act as a betrayal.
Speaking with a delegation of APC chieftains from Gboko Local Government area of Benue state, Ortom disclosed how pained he was over this betrayal as he had worked hard to ensure Suswam emerged as governor in 2007.
He said ‘When our leader, Senator George akume. directed us on what to do in the run up to the 2007 governorship election, I, alongside others, worked tirelessly to ensure that Suswam becamse governor.
‘Even though I am his senior in age and politics, I never abdicated my role as dedicated party leader.
‘When i served under him as National Auditor at the PDP headquarters and later as Minister, I never betrayed him nor worked at cross purposes with his intentions.
‘I was therefore saddened when he worked to undermine my ambition to be governor of Benue state.’ He said.
Ortom had earlier on given an insight on what his administration would loook like, stating that his cabinet cabinet will comprise of only 13 commissioners and 15 advisers in order to save costs and ensure better funding of ministries and agencies of the state.
