Politics
Don’t disgrace ex-governors; come out of hiding, face EFCC, Ortom tells Bello
A former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has asked the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to come out of hiding and answer his case with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.
Mr Ortom stated this on Sunday in Makurdi during a church thanksgiving service organised by his aides to mark his 63rd birthday anniversary.
He urged Mr Bello to come out and defend his administration, adding that his continuous hiding would bring disgrace to former governors across the country.
The ex-Benue State governor also urged his former appointees to always come forward and give account of their stewardship when called upon, saying that they could only run when they had something to hide.
“I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond. EFCC are human beings. If they are making enquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, but I could not. I have tried those around him, but I could not do so. I want this to be noted. So wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press are here, he should come out,” Mr Ortom said.
The former governor appreciated the Benue people for their support throughout his eight years tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.
He said that being at the top for eight years was not an easy task and called on the people to always pray for their leaders.
Mr Ortom urged Benue youths to stop insulting the elders on social media and take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives and bring development to the state.
He said, “Do not insult the leaders or elders on social media. We all must be part of the process to bring peace so that progress, prosperity and development will come. The youth must take advantage of social media to bring development to themselves and to the state.
“The whole world is in your palms, in your tablets and on your phone. Look at the essence of the internet. Now that you cannot go to the farms, go to the website and see what people are doing in order to be part of the world and to add value and bring wealth to yourselves.”
Mr Ortom expressed gratitude to God for his mercies over his life and family saying he left government house a better Christian, adding that he would continue to be and worship in the house of God.
In their remarks, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, Chairman, Benue Peoples Democratic Party, John Ngbede, Senator Abba Moro among others appreciated Mr Ortom for his dogged fight for the security of the people.
They prayed to God to give him more opportunities to continue to contribute to the peace and development of the state.
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May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
The Vice Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State, Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, has died two months after assuming office.
Reports from the ancient town of Badagry confirmed that the late council vice chairman died on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the local political and traditional communities.
Ajose, who was sworn in on July 27, 2025, alongside the LCDA Chairman, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, and five councilors, were inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.
Family sources confirmed her death, disclosing that her remains have been deposited in a morgue.
Princess Ajose was the daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, further deepening the grief within the royal household and across the community.
Ekwutosblog recalls that Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor for Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, also died on August 13, barely two weeks after being sworn into office.
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