*Ortom’s Conduct A Reflection Of ‘No Skeletons In His Cupboard’ – PDP
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday invited the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom to appear before the Zonal Commander at the Zonal office of the Command in Makurdi to answer to allegations that may have been leveled against him.
Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State chapter has observed that by voluntarily submitting himself for investigation, it is a clear indication that Ortom has no skeleton in his cupboard.
The former Governor who was advised to appear at the Zonal Command of the EFCC by 10am on Tuesday was immediately ushered into the office of the Commander on his arrival to the office at about 10:09am on Tuesday and drilled for about nine and a half hours by EFCC operatives.
Chief Ortom was accompanied on the visit by his former Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, Abraham Kwaghngu and his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Terver Akase who is now a Media Aide to Ortom.
The former Governor was still in the custody of the EFCC as at the time of compiling this report by 7:35pm on Tuesday.
But in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP,
Bemgba Iortyom said, “PDP in Benue State commends former governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, for voluntarily submitting himself to answer questions about his eight years tenure in office before the EFCC.
“Ex-Governor Ortom earlier today (yesterday) went over to the Makurdi office of the EFCC to honour (an) invitation extended to him by the Commission, and our great party hails his conduct as exemplary and reflecting clarity of conscience.
“The former governor’s action also depict him as a man of his words as it fulfills promises he made while in office that at the end of his tenure he will be willing to give open account of all that he did in execution of the mandate vested to him as governor by the Benue electorate.
“PDP notes that while this won’t be the first time a former governor will be answering questions before the anti graft body, Ortom’s case is remarkably distinct for the lack of rancour and acrimony which usually attends such appearances.
“The party is satisfied that Ex-Governor Ortom’s conduct is a clear reflection of his having no skeletons in his cupboard which he should be running away from, as “only the guilty usually are afraid”.
“We urge other holders of public office to emulate the Ortom standard by discharging their duties and responsibilities while in office within the confines of law so they may be able to come to openly account when called upon without any fear”, he advised.
