Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Terver Akase, spokesperson to the immediate past governor of Benue state, Chief Samuel Ortom PhD has replied to an open letter written to the former governor by a Benue lawyer, John Tine over the legal action being taken against a sacked BSU lecturer, Mkor Aondona.
Terver Akase’s letter to Barrister John Tine reads:
Dear Barrister John Tine,
I read your open letter to the former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom whom I’m aware that you know very well and could have simply sent him a private message with regards to the concerns you raised in your open letter. With your write-up which I saw in a WhatsApp group, I’m now finding it difficult to absolve you of the suspicion that yours was a play to the gallery ostensibly to curry favour from the present government of Benue State.
I appreciate your concern for the leadership ethos embodied by great figures such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela. However, I must respectfully disagree with your stance regarding Chief Samuel Ortom’s situation with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, Mkor Aondona Donatus. It is crucial to consider the context of the allegations raised by Mkor and the responsibilities that come with such accusations. As a lawyer yourself, you will agree with me that the burden of proof rests upon the person who accuses.
Firstly, going public with a skewed critique of Ortom’s response to Mkor’s allegations appears to be more of a performance for public approval than a genuine effort to advise. Leaders are often faced with harsh criticisms, but the manner in which they respond is equally important. In this case, the severity of the accusations leveled against Ortom demands a thorough and public response. While it is commendable to endure criticism, it is equally vital to defend one’s integrity, especially when faced with unfounded allegations that could tarnish a reputation built over many years of public service.
You have argued that Ortom should refrain from taking legal action against Mkor. However, silence in the face of such severe media attacks can be interpreted as consent or even complicity. History has shown us that leaders who remain silent in the face of egregious claims often suffer long-term damage to their credibility. For instance, when former President Bill Clinton was accused of misconduct, his response involved both public denials and legal battles, ultimately reinforcing his stance against unjust accusations. Similarly, Nigerian leaders like former Governor Ayo Fayose have taken a stand against critics through legal means, asserting their rights and protecting their legacies. Only a few days ago, President Bola Tinubu responded to the criticism against his administration by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in very strong terms.
Even here in Benue State, the present administration which has not yet clocked two years in office has already caused the arrest and detention of many of its critics whom the government has also taken to court. I am surprised that you are not aware of such cases of arrest and detention of members of the opposition by the present government and its allies who have at different times taken legal action against their critics.
I must also point out that accountability is a cornerstone of leadership. When allegations of financial irregularities are made, it is not merely a personal affront; it threatens the trust and faith that the public places in their leaders. By taking action against Mkor, Chief Ortom is not only defending his integrity but also setting a precedent that unsubstantiated claims against public officials will not go unchecked. This is vital for maintaining the sanctity of public office and ensuring that leaders remain accountable for their actions.
There is nothing wrong anywhere in the world with someone who is publicly defamed seeking legal interpretation. What Chief Ortom has done – asking Mkor to either retract his allegations against him or be prepared to prove the accusations in court is a noble act which deserves commendation and not condemnation.
Your reference to historical figures who endured criticism without retaliating overlooks the context of their challenges sir. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela faced systemic oppression and utilized their platforms to advocate for justice. They stood firm in their beliefs, but they also actively countered false narratives when necessary. In essence, such leaders did not allow their detractors to dictate the terms of their legacy.
Lastly, I urge you to reconsider your position on this matter. Chief Ortom’s actions are not merely about personal vindication; they reflect a commitment to accountability and integrity within public service. Encouraging him to remain passive in the face of serious allegations surely undermines the very principles of leadership that you seem to hold dear. A strong leader should be willing to confront challenges head-on, and in this case, Ortom’s response to Mkor’s accusations is not just justified; it is necessary.
Yours Sincerely,
Terver Akase