By Peter Duru

MAKURDI—The Governorship aspiration of the Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has received a boost following the endorsement of his candidature by political stakeholders, youths and women groups in the state.

The stakeholders who converged in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, to endorse Dr. Ortom included former National and State Assembly members, former council chairmen, former members of the Benue State executive council, party executives, elders of Iharev extraction from Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West, as well as women and youth groups.
Speaking on behalf of the various groups, Justice Sylvanus Agagbe (rtd), John Tarzoho Azulo, Bem Belagu Moji,   Joseph Chia, and Clement Akpe, as well as Mrs. Theresa Bai, appealed to the other governorship aspirants to jettison their aspiration and support the Minister rather than make the race a crowded affair.

Spokesman for the coalition of 32 Iharev youth groups, Mr John Jov, maintained that, “of all the governorship aspirants, the Minister is the most seasoned politician with the requisite experience at all levels of governance   who over the years had proved his mettle in politics and the management of resources. His conduct and relationship with all manner of people reflected the fear of God which is a   quality that has endeared him to the people across the state, as such, he is the most easily marketable and acceptable in the contest.