Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State and Rt Hon Titus Uba, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 governorship election in the state have congratulated Governor Hyacinth Alia over the revalidated of his election at the apex court.
They also called on the people of Benue state to rally behind Governor Alia to enable him to succeed on the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
The duo made the call in separate statements issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, in reaction to the judgment of the Supreme Court, which dismissed the suit of the PDP candidate at the highest court of the land.
In the statement signed by Terver Akase, the Media Aide to Chief Ortom, the former Governor noted that “The apex court’s decision to uphold Governor Alia’s election has brought to an end a robust process which undoubtedly contributed to strengthening democracy in the state and the country at large.
“The legal contest that ensued following the 2023 elections was fundamental in deepening our democratic values and principles. It is a reflection of the vibrant nature of our democracy and a demonstration of the rule of law at work. Now that Governor Alia’s election has been affirmed, it is time for all of us to wish him well as he leads the state.”
The statement further read: “The former Governor urges the people of Benue State to rally behind Governor Alia and offer their support to enable him succeed, and says it is imperative that the people unite across party lines for the progress and development of the state.
“He says as one who has led Benue before, he is conversant with the challenges of governing a state and the fact that the occupant of the seat needs the support and cooperation of the people.
“Chief Ortom wishes Governor Alia good health and success.”
In another statement, personally signed by Rt Hon Titus Uba, the PDP candidate in the 2023 election, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him and also giving him the opportunity to offer himself for service.
He however noted that it pleased God to choose his brother; Governor Alia in his stead, even as he said he has accepted the judgment of the court in good faith.
According to Uba, “As a law abiding citizen who believes in the unity and development of our dear state Benue and our nation Nigeria, I have accepted the decision of the Court in good faith.
“I give utmost gratitude to God Almighty for having sustained me and my family in health and life to be able to offer myself for service during the 2023 election. It was my earnest desire to serve and make contribution to the growth of Benue State.
“However, it pleased God Almighty to give that opportunity to my brother His Excellency Governor Alia. I believe in the strength of our democratic institutions, and I trust that the best interests of Benue State will continue to be upheld.
“I therefore wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the Governor. I wish him success as he steers the ship of the state. I enjoin our people to accord the Governor all the support that he needs to enable him succeed.”
The PDP candidate also appreciated the leader of the party in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom “for his mentorship and unquantifiable support over the years culminating in my emergence as the governorship candidate of our great party for last year’s election.
“In a similar vein, I commend and appreciate my running mate, Sir John Ngbede for his sterling qualities as a team player” among other persons, including the party leadership. End
