Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor (aka Or Abinkwini)’s latest attack on the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, is nothing more than a manifestation of the bitterness he has harboured since his defeat in the 2015 governorship election.
Tarzoor, who was a governorship candidate in that election, has consistently seized every opportunity to launch media attacks on Chief Ortom. More than a decade after the election, it is unfortunate that Tarzoor still appears unable to move beyond that political defeat.
His latest outburst, ostensibly in defence of Governor Hyacinth Alia, is another attempt to remain politically relevant by attacking a man whose electoral victory ended his own ambition to govern Benue State.
He even went as far as falsely claiming that Chief Ortom described the actions of the good people of Benue as “shenanigans.” Tarzoor would do well to consult a dictionary to acquaint himself with the meaning of the word before bandying it about. Chief Ortom could never have used such a term to disparage the people of Benue State. If anything, his reference was to the antics of individuals like Tarzoor whose utterances and conduct appear calculated to sow discord, deepen divisions, and breed acrimony in the polity.
We consider it necessary to respond to Tarzoor’s comments, not because the immediate past governor requires anyone to defend his record, but because the people of Benue State deserve a factual response to the misrepresentations and insinuations contained in Tarzoor’s remarks.
TARZOOR’S RECORD IN PUBLIC OFFICE
Before Ambassador Tarzoor assumes the role of a political lecturer on governance and public accountability, he should reflect on his own record in public office.
As Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, what enduring developmental projects did he attract to his constituency? What landmark achievements can he point to today as evidence of his impact on the lives of the people he represented?
The most controversial episode associated with his tenure remains the creation of a Fulani ward in Makurdi Local Government Area, a development that was subsequently reversed after the exercise was reportedly found to be fraudulent.
That episode remains a troubling reference point in the assessment of his legislative leadership. Tarzoor owes the people of Benue an explanation of the circumstances surrounding that controversial exercise rather than presenting himself as a moral authority qualified to lecture others on public service.
His subsequent appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Namibia also failed to establish a record of diplomatic achievement that would justify the self-important posture he now adopts in Benue politics. His tenure ended with his recall, and he has since returned home to pursue political relevance through attacks on Chief Ortom.
Today, Tarzoor appears more interested in serving as a political errand boy for Governor Alia and, on some occasions, the incumbent Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, than in contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.
To set the record straight regarding Chief Samuel Ortom’s achievements, particularly in response to the claim that his administration did not construct projects, we present below a list of selected achievements of Chief Samuel Ortom’s and initiatives undertaken during his tenure.
Let’s start with Security:
DID ORTOM FAIL IN DEFENDING BENUE?
Perhaps no issue defined Chief Ortom’s governorship more profoundly than insecurity.
He could have chosen the politically convenient path. He could have remained silent, avoided confrontation with powerful interests and maintained cordial relations with the Federal Government of the day.
He could even have accepted the ₦72 billion he was offered to compromise his stand against open grazing and repeal the law so he would conveniently clear the backlog of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
Instead, he chose to stand with his people and defend their lands when he believed the survival of his people was at stake.
The Ortom administration enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, establishing a legal framework for ranching and prohibiting open grazing in Benue.
That law was not merely rhetoric.
The administration established and supported the Benue State Livestock Guards to enforce it.
It activated the Community Volunteer Guards, drawing personnel from communities to strengthen local intelligence and surveillance.
It supported the Agro Rangers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Operational vehicles, security gadgets and logistics were provided to the police, military and other security agencies.
And when attacks continued, Governor Ortom refused to pretend that Benue was at peace. He spoke out. He protested. He took Benue’s case to Abuja and beyond.
He demanded action from the Presidency and security agencies. He engaged the diplomatic community and international organizations. He kept the humanitarian tragedy of Benue in national consciousness when silence would have been politically safer.
People may debate his methods. They may argue that more could have been done.
But how does anyone honestly convert all of that into “Ortom did nothing”?
DID ORTOM FAIL IN EDUCATION?
Consider the record.
More than 1,000 primary school projects were executed across Benue in collaboration with UBEC.
Thousands of customized desks and seats were procured.
Facilities were upgraded at Government College Makurdi, Government Girls College Makurdi, Government Girls Model Secondary School Aliade, the Special School for Exceptional Children, Aliade and many other schools across the state.
Teachers were trained and instructional materials supplied.
The Alfred Akawe Torkula College was converted into a polytechnic, while the Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, was similarly upgraded.
Additional academic staff were recruited in tertiary institutions.
Then there was Benue State University.
Ortom’s administration placed BSU on a first-line charge, like he did with the judiciary and several other agencies of government, creating a funding mechanism intended to protect BSU from fluctuations in monthly government finances. Its monthly subvention ran into hundreds of millions of naira, with additional funding for earned allowances.
The administration addressed inherited issues surrounding Earned Academic Allowances and improved the funding stability of the state university.
Perhaps more importantly, the administration supported the accreditation of the BSU College of Health Sciences, helping to resolve the long-running difficulties that had prevented medical students from graduating.
Benue began producing its own medical doctors and has continued to do so till this day.
If these things happened, on what factual basis can anyone say nothing happened in education?
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH?
The Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Makurdi received attention towards revival and accreditation. The School of Health Technology, Agasha, was similarly supported.
The Benue State Health Insurance Scheme was established.
The Primary Health Care Board was created.
Forty-two (42) health centres were established and equipped across communities.
Ambulances and medical equipment were supplied to local governments.
At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the administration invested in medical facilities and equipment, including MRI and dialysis equipment.
Work also commenced on an Infectious Diseases Centre under BSU.
One may debate whether Benue’s healthcare system became perfect. It obviously did not.
But perfection is not the test before us.
The allegation is that nothing was done.
The evidence says otherwise.
THEN LET US TALK ABOUT ROADS
Perhaps this is where the “nothing in eight years” argument becomes even more difficult to sustain because roads cannot be erased by political rhetoric.
In Gboko, the administration constructed or reconstructed roads including Gyado Hotel-Ministry of Agriculture Rd Gboko – 2.5km, Aper Aku Road, Prof. Martin Dent Road, Chief Isaac Shaahu Road -2.5km, Ahmadu Bello Way, J.S. Tarka Way and Captain Down’s Road, alongside drainage works. There were also the Igbor–Ikpa–Mbatyerev–Wannune Road, as well the 3.5km Ck Uganden road in Vandeikya.
In Makurdi, projects included the 3.5km, Customary Court-George Akume Way (now Senator Gabriel Suswam Road ) and the Phase 2 with a spur to Akosu Bija Street, Chiason- Peter Geri and Atoato Girgi street (5.10km), Mobile Barracks–Welfare Quarters Road, 7km Tse-Poor—Yaikyo Road the 14km Terwase Agbadu–Apir Road, and Federal High Court Road, North Bank.
The other roads are: Nyeson Wike Road)-2.10km
~ Adom gande extension to Uhol street with spur to John Ujoh street-1.9km
~ St. Dominic school road-2.0km
~ Igbo Agenyi street to Kua community -2.5km
~ John kwaghgba Ako street-0.5km
~ Towering Tots street – Achusa Rd-2.30km
Still in in Makurdi the following roads were constructed by the Ortom administration:
~ Nkst Yina-George Akume Way through International Market- 2.0km
~ Low Cost Housing Estate Naka road -Bambam-1.30km
The above roads totaling 3.3km long. Also the Imande–Akpu–Origbo–Gbajimba Road was also constructed.
He also constructed the 30km Gbajimba-Iordye-Akaahena feeder road in Guma.
In Zone C, the administration constructed some major township roads in Otukpo totaling over 5 kilometres including Armstrong Avenue, Otukpo, Commercial Road, Reconstruction of Ochi’Doma’s Palace road, Otukpo, Construction of Otukpo Icho – Odudaje – Aondoana road
totaling.
Beyond these were projects such as the 47-kilometre Zaki-Biam–Gbeji–Afia Road and the Agatu–Oshigbudu–Obagaji Road.
Other projects included the Taraku–Naka, Daudu–Gbajimba, Abuku–Jingir–Tyogbenda–Wombo, Otukpo–Icho–Odudaje and Igumale–Agila roads.
Rural roads were also constructed. These included the Mase-Shanna -Hundu-Paka -Tse Aku feeder road, 25km long in Gwer-East. Others were: Construction of Igumale -Ulayi – Ijigba feeder road, 10km long in Ado; construction of 3 span reinforced concrete bridge across Ulobo stream on Howe – Kinga – Tse Akeshi-Tse Gabu – Shawa Feeder road, Gwer-East; construction of a 2 span reinforced concrete bridge at Akeshi – Tse Gabu- Shawa feeder road, Gwer-East; rehabilitation and spot latering of Umenger-Annige- Keana feeder road, Guma; construction of Unawaba -Oju two span reinforced concrete bridge across Ogori steam on Ogoba-Uwaba Oju feeder road; construction of 3 span reinforced concrete bridge across river Okpokwu at admin Akpa; construction of 2 culverts and one span reinforced concrete bridge across Uba and Akera I & II, Ushongo; construction of 2 span reinforced concrete bridge across Oloko stream at Ameka owo on Ameka Owo-Epiwa Ibila feeder road, Oju; construction of 2 span reinforced concrete bridge across Orkeer stream on Ikpa Mbatyerev – Mngbangun feeder road, Gboko; construction of one span reinforced concrete bridge across Mchira stream with road resurfacing of Shanna village on Mase -Shanna – Ayar feeder road, Gwer-East; construction of 3 span reinforced concrete bridge across Mu stream; construction of 2 span reinforced concrete bridge across Urvavase stream on Taavaan-Asangabar Anbua feeder road, Guma, among many others.
WHAT OF AGRICULTURE?
Benue is predominantly agrarian, and the Ortom administration made interventions targeted at farmers.
Fertilizer was provided at a 50 per cent subsidy for 8 cropping seasons.
Fifty tractors were acquired and sold to beneficiaries at 60 per cent subsidy.
Agro-processing factories were constructed in six local government areas under the SDGs.
The government collaborated with IFAD on farmer training, demonstration farming and improved seedlings.
The Fertilizer Blending Plant was revived.
The administration even introduced the Friday work-free farming initiative during critical agricultural seasons to enable civil servants who were also farmers to spend more time on their farms.
It is worthy of note that Governor Ortom’s advocacy attracted foreign direct investments including the ethanol company located along Makurdi-Gboko now offering hundreds of jobs road and the one located in Sankera which insecurity did not allow to fully take off.
WATER, ELECTRICITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
More than 1,000 motorized and hand-pump water schemes were provided.
The Greater Makurdi Water Works reticulation project was commenced during the Ortom administration.
More than 60 electricity projects were completed across the state.
Refuse evacuation vehicles under BENSESA were revived and new ones acquired.
These interventions may not dominate today’s political arguments because boreholes, transformers and rural electrification schemes do not trend on social media years after commissioning.
But the communities that benefited from them know they exist.
WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS?
There is a magnificent physical answer standing in Gboko: the new Palace of the Tor Tiv.
There is another in Otukpo: the Palace of the Och’Idoma.
The Deputy Governor’s Office Complex was completed with state-of-the-art facilities installed by Governor Ortom.
The Aper Aku Guest House and the main administrative block of the Benue Peoples House were renovated.
The administration also provided water at the State Secretariat, addressing a problem that had persisted since 1989.
Housing units were constructed under the Owner-Occupier Housing Estate programme with the Fountain Estate Nyorgyungu being one of the star housing projects of the Ortom administration.
Mama Abayol Orphanage Home in Makurdi was rehabilitated and expanded with a clinic, library, laundry, hostels, dining hall, playground, computer room, common room and standby power.
Do these suddenly cease to exist because somebody says “eight wasted years”?
AND WHAT ABOUT MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT ITSELF?
Some achievements cannot be measured in kilometres of asphalt.
Governor Ortom established the Benue Geographic Information Service (BENGIS), thereby moving land administration towards a digital system.
His administration domesticated the Treasury Single Account.
It also established the Public Procurement Office and Debt Management Office.
The Fiscal Responsibility framework was strengthened.
The Internal Revenue Administration Law was amended.
POS-based tracking of government transactions was introduced.
The Benue ICT Council was inaugurated.
Benue State Television was established as a digital television platform.
These are institutional reforms whose value extends beyond the administration that created them.
JOBS, SKILLS AND INDUSTRY
The administration partnered with the Bank of Industry and Central Bank of Nigeria on a ₦2 billion low-interest financing scheme.
Skills acquisition centres were constructed in Gbajimba, Apa-Agila and Makurdi.
Young people received vocational training through the Industrial Training Fund, while starter kits were provided to hundreds of beneficiaries.
Private investment was encouraged in projects including attracting the ethanol production at Tyo-Mu and starch processing initiatives in Katsina-Ala and Zaki-Biam. These projects came as a result of Ortom’s constant advocacy in making the image of Benue attractive to private investors.
Again, was Benue industrialized overnight?
No.
But was nothing done?
Certainly not. Much was done.
PERHAPS THE REAL QUESTION IS DIFFERENT
Samuel Ortom was not a perfect governor. He has never claimed to be perfect.
No honest assessment of his administration should pretend otherwise.
He faced salary and other difficulties. Those are legitimate grounds for criticism.
But there is a fundamental difference between saying “Ortom could have done more” and declaring “Ortom did nothing for eight years.”
The first is an argument that can be debated. The second collapses when confronted with evidence.
Governance should not be assessed by propaganda, whether favourable or hostile. It should be measured by policies implemented, institutions created, infrastructure delivered, crises confronted and the circumstances under which decisions were made. And context matters.
Chief Ortom governed when states frequently struggled with severely diminished revenues. He governed through two recessions and COVID-19. He governed while Benue was confronting mass displacement and repeated attacks on farming communities. Today, Tarzoor’s benefactor, Governor Alia is swimming in billions as a result of fuel subsidy removal.
Yet, under Chief Ortom, roads were built. Schools were renovated. Primary school projects were executed. Hospitals and health institutions received interventions. Water projects were provided. Communities were electrified. Traditional institutions received new palaces. BENGIS was established. BSU’s funding architecture was strengthened. Medical accreditation challenges were addressed. Agricultural subsidies were provided. Security structures were created. The anti-open grazing law was enacted.
And salaries were paid for 91 of his administration’s 96 months despite the fiscal difficulties of the period.
That is not the record of an administration that “did nothing.”
To crown it all, someone whose political career has yet to translate into demonstrable impact on the lives of the people he represented should be prepared to account for his own record before challenging Chief Samuel Ortom, whose commitment to the welfare of the people has been demonstrated over the years.
Ortom’s free treatment of snakebite victims, which dates back to 2000 and continued throughout his years in public service, remains a significant humanitarian intervention that deserves recognition.
This initiative alone speaks volumes about his longstanding concern for the lives and well-being of ordinary people. Before Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor questions Ortom’s record, it is only fair that he presents his own achievements and contributions to the people of Benue State for public scrutiny. In politics, it is not enough to make allegations; one’s record of service and tangible contributions to the people must also speak.
ORTOM’S FACTS REMAIN UNDISPUTED
Tarzoor’s attempt to dismiss Chief Ortom’s interview on Channels Television as an expression of bitterness is a weak response to issues that require factual answers.
What specific facts did Chief Ortom present that Tarzoor has disproved? Which figures did he challenge with verifiable evidence? Which claims did he establish to be false?
Rather than answer these questions, Tarzoor has chosen to dwell on the former governor’s language and question his motives. That is a familiar diversionary tactic: attack the messenger when you cannot adequately confront the message.
Chief Ortom’s record as governor is available for public scrutiny. His policies, decisions, achievements and shortcomings can all be examined. The same standard must apply to Governor Alia and every other public officeholder.
Tarzoor should understand that a former governor does not forfeit his right to speak on matters affecting the state simply because another person occupies Government House. Public accountability does not expire at the end of an administration, and criticism of a sitting governor is not proof of bitterness.
If Tarzoor believes that Chief Ortom’s assertions are false, he should identify them individually and produce evidence to contradict them.
The people of Benue are entitled to ask what has been achieved with the resources available to the present government, particularly given the substantial funds it has received following the removal of the fuel subsidy. They are equally entitled to compare those outcomes with the performance of previous administrations.
Tarzoor cannot insist that Chief Ortom’s achievements be subjected to scrutiny while demanding that Governor Alia be granted immunity from comparison simply because he has spent fewer years in office.
If the present administration believes it is performing better, it should demonstrate that claim through verifiable evidence rather than deploy political surrogates to attack those who ask questions.
ON ORTOM’S ENTITLEMENTS
Tarzoor’s comments on the entitlements of former governors are equally premature. He admitted that he was unaware of any law providing such benefits during his tenure as Speaker and acknowledged that he could not speak definitively on whether legislation had been enacted after he left office.
That admission should have encouraged caution rather than the categorical posture he adopted.
The relevant question is straightforward: What does the applicable law provide? If a law or other valid legal instrument establishes an entitlement, the issue should be addressed on its merits. If no such provision exists, that should equally be established by reference to the relevant legal framework.
Whether a former governor is entitled to a particular benefit cannot be determined by Tarzoor’s personal recollection of what existed during his time as Speaker.
Chief Ortom’s position should be judged on the facts and the applicable law, not on Tarzoor’s attempt to portray him as ungrateful to the people of Benue.
TARZOOR SHOULD STOP LIVING IN 2015
The truth is that Chief Ortom and Ambassador Tarzoor have different political records, different experiences in public service and different levels of contribution to the governance of Benue State.
Tarzoor should stop confusing media appearances with political stature. His persistent attacks on Chief Ortom will neither erase the outcome of the 2015 election nor diminish the record of the former governor.
It is time for him to move beyond the grievances of that election and concentrate on issues that genuinely matter to the people of Benue.
Zege Paul,
Media Assistant to Chief Samuel Ortom.