By Ushahemba Nongu
Gboko the ancient headquarters of the Tiv nation last Friday October 7, 2022 stood still as hundreds of jubilant people comprising traders, youths and women groups, socio-cultural associations, motorcyclists popularly known as ‘okada riders’, taxi drivers, opinion leaders and teeming party supporters among others, trooped out to welcome Governor Samuel Ortom who was arriving Gboko town to the commission the Gboko Modern Market.
The mammoth crowd that turned out on the Governor’s arrival, welcomed him around Yandev close to Buruku junction along Gboko-Makurdi expressway. The Governor’s convoy had to drive slowly for over an hour through the Captain Downes road, to JS Tarka Way and then navigated through Chief Isaac Shaahu road in Gboko South with the jubilant crowd chanting songs of solidarity as they led him to the main venue of the market commissioning ceremony.
Governor Ortom’s itinerary in Gboko, was not a political rally, nor was it a campaign tour, but clearly the Governor’s presence profoundly excited the people of the town, obviously for what he has transformed Gboko into under his tenure as Benue State Governor. One could see the palpable love for Governor Ortom whose humble beginnings and rise to stardom are traceable to the ancient town as he himself has always testified proudly saying “I am a Gboko boy”.
It was therefore not surprising, that at the event of the commissioning of the market which is a local government project, the Gboko Traditional Council used the opportunity with the full compliments of the traditional institution led by the Ter Gboko, His Royal Highness, Chief Gabriel Shosum who bestowed on Governor Ortom, the honorific chieftaincy title of the “Ishima I Gboko” which translates as the “Heart of Gboko” and the Governor’s wife, Dr Eunice Ortom the supporting title of “Afa Ishima i Gboko’ for the impact the Governor’s administration has made in the area.
The Ter Gboko, Chief Shosum in his remarks before bestowing the honour on the Governor, explained that the Gboko Traditional Council took the decision to honour the Governor based on the track record of what he has done for the people of Gboko. He identified some of the areas as execution of infrastructure projects, prioritizing the welfare of traditional rulers, support to the Gboko Council Chairman, key appointments of sons and daughters of Gboko origin in his administration, Ortom’s long standing mutual relationship with Gboko local government and its people which according to him, has greatly benefited the people.
By every standard, the honour done to Governor Ortom by the Gboko Traditional Council is deserving and also fitting. The judgement of the traditional institution is apt and commendable too as the Ortom administration has shown impressive commitment to the growth and development of Gboko both in terms of infrastructure and appointment of people of the area in strategic positions to contribute in serving to move Benue State to greater heights.
In terms of infrastructure, the Ortom administration has reconstructed the Ahmadu Bello Way, Aper Aku Road, Professor Martin Dent Road and Chief Isaac Shaahu Road, all in Gboko town. This is in addition to the construction of a state-of-the-art palace in Gboko for the Tor Tiv, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs. These initiatives have transformed Gboko into a cynosure of all eyes as the social and economic life continues to thrive without obstacles.
Since its inception, the Ortom administration has sufficiently positioned itself as a good friend of Gboko local government area who truly understands the yearnings of the people. The number of key appointments his administration has given to Gboko sons and daughters is a testament to the fact that Gboko, like other local governments of the state, has been central to the running of Government machinery in the state.
The recognition accorded Gboko in terms of appointments for instance shows eminent sons and daughters of Gboko origin occupying several offices, some of which include: Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Tony Ijohor, SAN, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Joseph Ngbea, Chairman, Benue State University Governing Council, Chief S. T. Hon, SAN, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Dr Bem Melladu and the Executive Secretary, Benue State Examinations Board, Isaac Hon. This is in addition to several Principal Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants appointments given to many sons and daughters of Gboko origin.
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From the foregoing, the wisdom of the Gboko Traditional Council to have conferred an honorific chieftaincy title on Governor Ortom is considered a fitting and deserving honour that will further boost the morale of the Governor to do more for the good people of Gboko.
The mutual love existing between Governor Ortom and the good people of Gboko has strengthened their ties and would ultimately continue to impact positively on the socio-political trajectory of the state now and in the future, especially as the Governor seeks the mandate of the people to represent, Benue North-West Senatorial District at the expiration of his tenure in 2023. Gboko which is a major component of the Benue North-West political bloc will continue to remain relevant with Governor Ortom the “Ishima i Gboko” doing what will move the town and other parts of the state to greater heights of development.
While applauding the Gboko Traditional Council for recognizing Governor Ortom’s sustained efforts at development of the state in general, we congratulate the ‘Ishima i Gboko’ on the cherished honour bestowed on him and urge him to sustain the mutual relationship with his people. There is a popular saying that “or lu or ka jime” (he who has his people behind him is great).
* Nongu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Makurdi.
