Probe: PDP vows to stand by Ortom

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue state chapte has said that it recognized the place of probity and accountability as necessary components of good governance, vowing to stand by immediate past Governor of the State and its Leader, Chief Ortom.
Recalled, that earlier this week, Governor Hyacinth constituted two(2)Judicial Commission of Inquiries to probe into the assets, fibances and expenditures of the State under the Ortom’s administration.
In a statement signed by PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Bemgba Iortyom and made available to the media on Thursday in Makurdi, the party noted that the constitution of two panels by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to probe the administration of his immediate predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom, is evidently a ploy to shy away from public scrutiny of his administration
“In what may be interpreted as a lack of confidence in the Benue Judicial family, Governor Alia selected two justices from outside the state to head the two panels which are vested with separate mandates to probe into the assets and finances of the state during the era of the Ortom administration from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023.
“Chief Ortom, who since the expiry of his two terms in office as governor has lived freely among the people in the state, has since expressed his readiness to submit himself before any lawful process as will require him to give account of his stewardship as governor.
“Nevertheless, the party raises questions as to the timing of the probe exercise, coming at a time Governor Alia’s table is already full with issues of insecurity.
PDP recalls that only last week the governor issued a 14 days ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen who have instreamed into the state with thousands of cattle to leave, however, there was no clear statement on the consequences for non compliance with the ultimatum.