Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Former Governor of Benue State and leader of the People’s Democratic Party in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, PhD yesterday led a delegation of over three hundred notable political gladiators across the state to a New Year Dinner organized by a former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, High Chief Mike Kaase Amdoakaa, SAN and his wife, Chief Mrs Patience Awubi Mnena Aondoakaa.
The historic dinner which was apparently part of the strategic partnership required for the 2027 elections was held at the Makurdi private residence of Chief Kaase Amdoakaa who was recently given a Tiv honorific chieftaincy title “Ivaan Yange I Tiv by the Tiv Traditional Council led by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse.
In the delegation were members of the People’s Democratic Party G-14 led by Dr. Laha Dzever, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom Former First Lady of Benue State who led over thirty members of the Spring Bloom Cooperative, Former Permanent Secretaries, a former vice chancellor of the Benue State University.
Others were former Commissioners, and Directors, Party chieftains across political lines including PDP, APC, and others, Mr. Dan-Morgan Ihomun who represented the State Executive Council of the Benue APC, the entire State Executive Council of the Benue PDP, Chief Atsaga Anemba, Chief Aondoakaa’s elder brother Elder John Uke and Chief Mrs. Veronica Aondoakaa JP the venerable mother of Chief Mike Aondoakaa. They all came from all the three senatorial districts for the dinner.
Also, several APC local government chairmen across the state accompanied Chief Samuel Ortom to the historic dinner.
In his speech, Chief Ortom applauded Chief Aondoakaa for his efforts to ensure that there is unity, peace and development in Benue State.
He also thanked Aondoakaa for his passion for humanity, describing him as a man with a good heart. He noted that power belongs to God, who gives it to whom He wills, and eulogized Aondoakaa for his belief in strategic partnership and inclusive leadership.
Chief Ortom further acknowledged that the former Attorney General of the Federation being an experienced politician has adequately prepared himself with the capacity to lead at any level.
Furthermore, the former governor described Chief Aondoakaa as an “honest and incorruptible public servant.” He highlighted that while many former Attorneys-General later faced corruption allegations after leaving office, Aondoakaa who exited over a decade ago has never been questioned or tainted with a single blemish on his record.
He urged Benue citizens to recognize Aondoakaa as an illustrious son, tested, trusted, and eminently qualified for any position of state or national responsibility.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Aondoakaa noted that the event was to reflect on the events of 2025 and to strengthen peace, unity, and development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
He expressed appreciation to Chief Ortom for the leadership role he continues to play in the state, as well as for the support he gives to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
He appealed to the former governor to continue serving as a peace ambassador, emphasising the need for unity, collaboration, and strategic partnerships among leaders for the overall progress of Benue State.
Chief Aondoakaa pledged his unwavering loyalty and commitment to work alongside Senator Akume and Dr. Ortom not for personal gain, but for the advancement of the Tiv Nation and the entire Benue State.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. John Uke for the Aondoakaa political family; Dan Morgan Ihomon, State Publicity Secretary of the APC in Benue State; Amb. Chive Kaave for Zone A; Hon. Charles Torbunde for Zone B; and Chief Mrs. Monica Ugela for the Spring Bloom Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society, while Dr. Laha Dzever delivered the vote of thanks.
Meanwhile, political analysts said that the cross-party convergence underscores growing unity among Benue’s elite a message of continuity, integrity, and collective stewardship for 2026 and beyond.