ORTOM DID NOT ORDER THE BEATING OF ANYONE

The report on social media today on the alleged directive by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom that one Blessing Itodo be beaten by security personnel during the thanksgiving service in his honour at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mercyland Parish, Makurdi is another desperate but failed attempt by the opposition to tarnish the good image of the Governor.

While the service was on, I saw the Facebook report and went outside the church to investigate and I discovered that the incident did not take place in the entire time that the Governor and his entourage spent during the thanksgiving service. I asked every security person on duty within the church premises including those who accompanied the Governor. I also inquired from other people who were outside the church who might have witnessed the incident but no one could confirm the report.

The Chief Security Officer to the Governor also investigated the rumoured incident but found nothing near the contents of the online report.

If any altercation between the lady named in the report and security men took place at the church where Governor Ortom worshipped today, then such an incident must have occurred some hours before the Governor arrived, in which case he cannot be blamed for the alleged assault. The Governor did not order the beating or harassment of anyone at the church.

Governor Ortom is famous for his humanitarian gestures as he has over the years demonstrated in many ways that he is a humane leader who does not only feel the pains of the less privileged but also reaches out to the needy.

The Governor is accessible to all and does not snub those who come to him for whatever reason. It is therefore an act of mischief and blatant falsehood for members of the opposition social media team to report that Governor Ortom ordered the beating of the lady in question.

We urge the public to disregard the rumour as it is wicked and unfounded.

Signed:

Terver Akase
Chief Press Secretary.