Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The people of Benue State across political divides and other Nigerians from all walks of life gathered today in Gbajimba, the headquarters of Guma Local Government Area, to bid farewell to late Bernard Tyozenda Ortom, younger brother of the immediate past Governor of state, Chief Samuel Ortom.
At the country home of Chief Ortom where the funeral was held, different personalities used the solemn occasion to pray for the Ortom Adorogo family and to praise their son, Chief Samuel Ortom, for providing effective leadership and ensuring that Benue people were protected during his tenure as Governor.
In his funeral oration, Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Udende, prayed to God to comfort Chief Ortom, whom he described as his bosom friend, and the entire family over the unfortunate loss.
Senator Udende also delivered a message from the people of Zone A, who sent him to inform Chief Ortom of their appreciation to him for making it possible for them to be able to do their farming work without the fears of Fulani herders while he was governor.
The Senator representing Benue North West, Dr Titus Zam, on his part said Benue people have indeed come to the realization that humanity values their possessions more when such possessions are no longer with them. He said Benue has indeed missed Ortom’s strides on security.
Senator Zam prayed for the repose of late Bernard’s soul and for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, in his funeral oration said the gathering was a testimony of the quality of leadership former Governor Ortom provided for Benue people while in office. He asked God to grant the deceased eternal rest and for the family to be consoled.
Prayers and royal blessings on the family from the traditional institution were made by the Kindred Head of Mbabegha, Zaki Emmanuel Iorkyaa, the Ter Guma, Chief Dennis Shemberga, Ter Gboko, Chief Gabriel Shosun, and Tor Jemgbagh, Chief David Afaityo Ajoko.
Wife of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Justice Mary Abounu also prayed for the Ortom Adorogo family.
State Chairman of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, as well as Guma Local Government chairman of the party, Hon. Simon Anyamkande, delivered funeral orations for the PDP.
Responding on behalf of his elder brother Sir Robert Ortom, for the family, Chief Samuel Ortom, said the family was consoled by the love Nigerians had shown them in their moment of grief.
“You have wiped our tears, and as we pray for journey mercies back to your various places of abode, we are asking God to bless all of you abundantly and may this gesture be extended to others in their times of need,” Chief Ortom said.
Dignitaries including a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoaka, Member representing Makurdi/Guma federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, Members of the Benue State House of Assembly, Traditional rulers, the clergy, political and religious leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps, graced the occasion.