From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Former Nigeria ambassador to Namibia, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor has criticized ex-governor of Benue state Chief Samuel Ortom over his uncomplimentary statements against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Ortom had during an interview on national television accused the governor of running the state like a catholic parish without accountability even as he called Benue people ‘Shenanigans’.
Displeased with such comments, Tarzoor who is a knight of the Catholic Church said Ortom has no right to pontificate the church, insisting that the church is highly accountable.
He said the ex-governor who is indebted to his score card, should not comment on issues of governance, maintaining strongly that three years of Governor Alia’s administration has surpassed Ortom’s eight years in terms of infrastructural development.
He urged Ortom to be civil and apply decorum in his choice of words in addressing certain issues.
On the recent comments by All Progressives Congress, APC chairman Austin Agada saying that the Rainbow Coalition will teach Governor Alia a lesson in 2027, Tarzoor dismissed the threat with the wave of the hand, positing that they are mere antics seeking attention.
According to the one-time Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Alia is not perturbed by the gang up against him as Benue people will decide base on the Governor’s outstanding performance.
Said he: “we in Alia’s camp, will do everything to ensure that the flight lands successfully in 2027”.
Speaking on the lingering crisis in the State APC and its likely consequences in the forthcoming elecrions, the 2015 governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP acknowledged that there are agitations which is peculiar amongst politicians, however, he said dialogue is continual.
He said, “Alia has good intent for the state and is open to regular negotiations. There is no need to distract him. The disagreement with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen Akume can be fixed. It won’t be perpetual. Efforts are ongoing to mend fences.
“Alia inherited a suffocating Benue and working hard to rebuild it. He is reconnecting Benue to the vision of late Aper Aku through his industrial revolution. Benue people should look at his strategic intent.
“He is shoring up the state production line by rehabilitating moribund industries like Taraku Mills and several others”.
Tarzoor who is also the State Cordinator Renewed Hope Agenda said the mantra is working as Nigeria is already experiencing economic growth in stabilization of our foreign reserve, foreign exchange, strengthening of the local currency, adding, “growth has been gained and sustained”. What is left is to transmit and impact this growth to individual households”.
He urged Nigerians to be hopeful as succor will come at the end.
