…I have no candidate says Gov Ortom
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom says December 30th, 2021 is billed for the selection of a new Ochi’Idoma for the Idoma nation.
He announced this Thursday during a meeting with stakeholders from Benue South Senatorial District at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
According to him, “this stakeholders meeting is to discuss the selection of Ochi’Idoma. We have search for his Royal Majesty and waited for his return and yet to see him.
“The seat has been vacant and as prescribed by the Benue State Chieftaincy Law, I appointed an acting Ochi’Idoma”
“The law stipulates that if our father (Ochi’Idoma) embark on hunting expedition, within three (3) months there would be need to select new Ochi’Idoma. January 9th, 2022 will be exactly three (3) months. The government is a law abiding one and would like to do it within the law”
He cautioned that no body should go about saying the Governor has a candidate, stating that he has no interest in a particular person
“My interest is the Idoma nation. Let there be fairness, equity and justice. If I as a Governor don’t have interest in a particular person, I don’t think any other person should have”
“I remain committed to ensuring equity, justice and fairness. Whoever is selected, I will work with the person”
The Governor emphasized that the law on Chieftaincy matters in the state will be followed strictly, stating that there was no ambiguity on the issues.
Governor Ortom warned that, on the day of selection, those who have no business with the process should stay away as any breach of law and order will be dealt with decisively.
The Governor who directed his Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kenneth Achabo to read out sections of the chieftaincy law that deals with the selection process during the meeting also requested him to make copies available for the king makers.
The acting Ochi’Idoma, his Royal Majesty, George Ede in a remark, commended the the Governor for calling the stakeholders meeting and advised the traditional rulers to ensure that they go through the chieftaincy law in order to be knowledgeable about it.
On their parts, Chief Baba Odangla, Chief Oche Okochi and Oga Eru all commended the Governor for promising a level playing ground in the emergence of a new Ochi’Idoma and also for directing that copies of the chieftaincy law be made available to the king makers.
Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro thanked Governor Ortom for making a clear statement on the selection process and assured him that an acceptable arrangement will be arrived at
According to section 17 sub section 1 of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law, 2016, the Ochi’Idoma shall be chosen rotationally by a selection committee from among the components.
The components are Agatu and Apa with principal units being Agatu and Apa, Otukpo and Ohimini with principal units being Otukpo and Ohimini, Idoma Enone with principal units being Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo and Igede with principal units being Oju and Obi
The selection committee comprises of the First, Class Second Class and Third Class Chiefs in the Idoma Traditional Area Council