News

I Lost My Senate Bid Because I Didn’t Consult God – Ortom

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2024

editor

Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has attributed his defeat in the 2023 senatorial election to his failure to consult God before joining the race. Ortom, who served two terms as governor, revealed this during a courtesy visit by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) G-14 in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the loss, Ortom explained that he made the critical mistake of relying solely on the encouragement of his political supporters without seeking divine guidance. He acknowledged that this decision led to his electoral defeat and emphasized the importance of following God’s direction in all his endeavors.

“I lost because I did not consult God,” Ortom said, addressing the delegation. “My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without asking for God’s approval. God has now revealed everything to me. He asked me to wait for Him, and I have no choice but to respect His wishes.”

The former governor further disclosed that he has no intention of running for any political office in 2027, stating that God had instructed him not to contest. According to Ortom, this divine message leaves him with no option but to step back from the political stage, at least for now.

“I’m not contesting the 2027 election. God has made His will known to me. I will wait for His direction and won’t make the same mistake I did in 2023,” he added.

During the meeting, Ortom also took the opportunity to reflect on his tenure as governor, highlighting the sacrifices he made for the benefit of the state. He mentioned that, at times, he had to distance himself from family and friends to focus on the state’s affairs. Despite the personal costs, he expressed pride in the work he had done for the people of Benue.

“I gave everything to the state during my tenure. At some point, I had to abandon my family and friends to prioritize the needs of Benue. It was not an easy journey, but I am proud of the sacrifices I made,” Ortom stated.

Despite his decision to step away from political contests, Ortom assured the G-14 members that he would continue to support the PDP and work towards ensuring its success in future elections. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the Benue Government House in 2027 and urged party members to prioritize unity and the collective interest of the PDP.

“No one’s ambition should be above the interest of the party,” Ortom said, emphasizing the importance of unity and loyalty to the PDP’s goals. “I will continue to support the party in every way I can.”

Addressing speculations about the status of the PDP G-14 group, which plays a significant role within the party’s structure in Benue, Ortom reaffirmed its importance. He emphasized that the group remains a vital force within the PDP, and no one, including himself as the leader, has the authority to disband it.

“The G-14 is an integral part of our party. No one, not even me, has the power to disband this revered group,” Ortom asserted.

As Ortom contemplates his next steps, he continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the PDP in Benue State, albeit from behind the scenes. With his declaration not to contest in 2027, his focus now seems to be on mentoring and guiding the next generation of leaders, all while adhering to the divine path he believes is set for him.

News

Nigerians Jubilate as FG Removes VAT on Diesel, Cooking Gas, Others

Published

7 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Federal Government has announced tax exemptions on key energy products and infrastructure, as well as fiscal incentives for the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors, sparking widespread jubilation among Nigerians.

Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, stated on Wednesday that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, unveiled two major fiscal initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

According to Edun, “The VAT Modification Order 2024 introduces exemptions on a range of key energy products and infrastructure, including diesel, feed gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles, liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, and clean cooking equipment.”

These measures are designed to lower the cost of living, bolster energy security, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Additionally, the tax incentives for deep offshore oil and gas production provide new tax reliefs for deep offshore projects, with the goal of positioning Nigeria’s deep offshore basin as a premier destination for global oil and gas investments.

These reforms are part of a broader series of investment-driven policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with Policy Directives 40-42, to foster sustainable growth in the energy sector and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness in oil and gas production.

The government emphasized that these initiatives put Nigeria on track to reclaim its position as a leader in the global oil and gas market, while also demonstrating a commitment to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing energy security, and driving economic prosperity for all Nigerians.

Politics

PDP Flags Off Campaign for Benue LG Elections

Published

7 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State, set for October 5.

At an event held on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, AVM Napoleon Bali, represented by the Secretary, Mr. Osita Ogene, presented party flags to the chairmanship and councilorship candidates, urging them to ensure victory for the PDP in the polls.

Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, expressed confidence in PDP’s strong presence in the state, stating that the party will be victorious. He also noted that the PDP would seek redress in court if denied victory unjustly.

In a goodwill message, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro called on party members to turn out en masse to vote for PDP candidates, emphasizing that the election would be free and fair, as promised by the Benue State Independent Election Commission (BSIEC).

Representatives from the state’s three senatorial districts—Engr. Dondo Ahire, Mike Uba, and Alex Ogaba—called for unity within the party to secure success in the local government elections.

News

Stop Migrating to Countries Worse than Nigeria, FG Warns Nigerians

Published

7 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians to avoid migrating to countries that are in worse conditions than Nigeria.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dabiri-Erewa appealed to Nigerian influencers and bloggers to assist the Federal Government in discouraging citizens from fleeing to such countries. “Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers. Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to is worse than where you are running from (Nigeria),” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa’s comments came in response to a recent viral video showing Nigerians calling for help from a Malian prison. She mentioned that some of the individuals seen in the video were previously rescued by the Nigerian government and repatriated from Mali but had subsequently returned. “I want to address a viral video of some girls shouting from a prison in Mali, asking to be returned home. Some time ago, the chief of defence staff helped us bring back some girls,” she explained. “We have identified some of these girls as some of those brought back that time. That they found themselves back in Mali is shocking.”

She further appealed for Nigerians to respect the laws of other countries, adding that irregular migration and engaging in criminal activities can have serious consequences. “We need to obey the laws of other countries. Crime and criminality, irregular migration, is very deadly now,” she warned, while assuring that the Nigerian mission in Mali is working to bring those affected back home.