By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi
Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, reiterated yesterday, that the state followed due process in the passage of the anti-open grazing prohibition bill and its signing into law.
Ortom’s clarification was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Godwin Akor, on Tuesday, in Makurdi.
In the statement, Ortom made the disclosure when he received the leadership of Makurdi Catholic Diocesan Laity Council at the Benue Peoples House.
He maintained that anyone who is not satisfied with the law should go to court and not think of creating anarchy.
The governor thanked the Catholic Church for standing firmly behind his administration, and added that the Bishop in-charge of the diocese has always encouraged him on matters concerning development, especially security.
Ortom further disclosed that herdsmen who are not ready to ranch their cattle are already leaving the state and called on Benue people to “allow them to depart in peace.”
He said those who were ready to ranch their cattle would be assisted to do so, and noted that peace has returned to the state.
The governor praised the Catholic Church for assisting in the development of education, health and agriculture in the state and assured that his administration would continue to partner with the body of Christ.
Ortom said because he has been fighting corruption, “corruption is fighting back but victory is certain at the end of the day because the state has been dedicated to God.
“My administration has made arrangements to block loopholes in the payment of salaries, so other things have been suspended to ensure that the salary problem is tackled,” Ortom said.
Earlier, President of the Makurdi Catholic Diocesan Laity Council, Mr Damian Kpengwa, praised the governor for remaining committed to the development of the state.
Kpengwa also pointed out that Ortom assisted the Catholic Church in giving the late Bishop Athanasius Usuh, a befitting burial and organised a glamorous coronation for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe.
The president condemned criticisms from certain quarters against the anti-open grazing law and urged the governor not to waiver in its implementation.