National award: I’m focused on serving my people – Ortom urges supporters to remain calm

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said while he deeply appreciates the call by the group known as Movement for Good Governance and Democracy, as well as other Nigerians who have expressed concerns that he should have been on the list of those recently given national awards by President Muhammadu Buhari, his focus is on serving the people of the State.

It was reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had on October 11, conferred some Nigerians with the national award of the Commander of the Order of Niger, CON, and Commander Of the Order Of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Some loyalists of the Benue governor, after the event, questioned why he was not listed among the beneficiaries of the award.

Reacting, Governor Ortom in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Terver Akase said on Monday that he is satisfied with the honour and constant support Benue people have given him to succeed since 2015.

The governor appealed to the concerned individuals and groups not to make an issue out of the awards but rather pray for him to continue to play his role of serving Benue State and the country.

“The Governor remains grateful to Almighty God for the grace to lead the state and also be able to make contributions towards nation-building.

“He congratulates all recipients of the National Honours Awards and urges them to sustain their selfless services to the country,” the statement added.