Alleged fraud Don t disgrace ex govs come out of hiding Ortom tells Yahaya Bello

Samuel Ortom, a former governor of Benue State, has called Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, to come out of hiding and address his case before the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

Mr Ortom made this statement on Sunday in Makurdi during a church thanksgiving ceremony organized by his aides to commemorate his 63rd birthday.

He encouraged Mr Bello to come out and defend his administration, adding that his continued silence would bring shame to previous governors throughout the country.

The ex-Benue State governor also urged his former appointees to always come forward and give account of their stewardship when called upon, saying that they could only run when they had something to hide.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond. EFCC are human beings. If they are making enquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, but I could not. I have tried those around him, but I could not do so. I want this to be noted. So wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press are here, he should come out,” Mr Ortom said.

The former governor appreciated the Benue people for their support throughout his eight years tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.

He said that being at the top for eight years was not an easy task and called on the people to always pray for their leaders.

Mr Ortom urged Benue youths to stop insulting the elders on social media and take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives and bring development to the state.