Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to stop blaming others for security problems.
Instead, he should humbly seek assistance from stakeholders to effectively tackle insecurity in the state.
Moreover, Ortom reminded Alia of his commitment to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within his first 100 days.
He emphasized that addressing insecurity is more complex than Alia anticipated before taking office.
In a statement issued by Terver Akase, Ortom’s former media adviser, he advised Alia to focus on solutions rather than engaging in a blame game.
He expressed disappointment that Alia’s campaign promises regarding IDPs have not materialized.
Ortom criticized Alia for dedicating much of his recent press statement to attacking his predecessor instead of discussing current administration efforts to improve security.
He urged Alia to prioritize the needs of the people over political rhetoric.
Furthermore, Ortom reminded Alia of his earlier claims about the simplicity of solving insecurity.
He encouraged the governor to engage knowledgeable individuals to address the pressing issues effectively.
If Alia struggles with utilizing federal allocations for security, he should convene a stakeholders’ meeting for guidance.
Merely claiming peace in Benue will not resolve the ongoing challenges faced by its residents.
The former governor stressed that the current administration must avoid scapegoating and embrace constructive ideas.
Many communities remain unsafe, and locals are unable to access their farms due to banditry.
With increased resources available to Alia’s administration, he should focus on implementing solutions rather than making excuses.
Accountability has been lacking since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Finally, Ortom highlighted that the Open Grazing Prohibition Law was enacted based on public demand.
He fulfilled the people’s wishes by addressing security concerns, which should not be overlooked in the current discourse.
If Alia believes Ortom failed, he now has the opportunity to rectify those issues.
He must act decisively to fulfill his promises and improve security for the people of Benue.