Gov. Ortom Sticks to Ending Open Grazing

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said he owes no apologies to anyone speaking the truth to Nigerians.
The Governor stated this on Friday at his hometown, Tse-Adorogo, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, LGA, Benue state.
The Governor had given his support to ending open grazing and establishing cattle ranches. He noted that he would not yield to intimidation in as much as he had the backing of his people and the majority of Nigerians.
He said to check the spate of insecurity associated with herdsmen, it is necessary to establish a ranch that many in the country has accepted. The Governor noted that it had been his call for over five years and that very soon, the course will be achieved
According to the Governor, “I have been agitating in the last five years that it is time to end open grazing in Nigeria to put an end to the herders’ crisis that has now snowballed into a significant threat to national security.
“By the grace of God, we will get there, and we will all be happier for it. And like I said at the time, our agitation for ranching will one day be celebrated like we did June 12 because it is the best global practice to enthrone peace in our dear country.”
Ortom also added that he is doing the right thing and, therefore, remains unapologetic to anyone, especially those in authority.
He said it was unfortunate some people could stoop so low to collect crumbs from vilifying him, even as he prayed God to forgive such people.
“As far as I am doing the right thing to save our country, I owe no one an apology, particularly those in positions of authority who would instead choose to remain silent and watch our country head towards anarchy.
“We will continue to do the right things as far as my people are with me and the majority of Nigerians know that I stand for the truth and nothing more in order to save our country,” he said.
Recall that the Governor last week disagreed with his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, over cattle herders arming themselves with AK-47 rifles. The Governor said he wondered if his friend and colleague, the Bauchi State governor, knows a thing or two about herders’ dreadful actions in parts of the country to warrant the personal defense.