By Peter Duru

MAKURDI—Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday, said that he would be firm in dealing with issues bordering on indiscipline just as he would insist that the right thing must be done.

He spoke when he resumed for work officially at Government House in Makurdi, the state capital which was immediately re-named as the Benue People’s House.

“I have come with carrot and stick. No one would be punished unnecessarily except those who fail in their responsibilities. I will ensure that you succeed in your work.

“I will also not hide anything, this is the covenant I have made with God and the Benue people. I will insist that the right thing must always be done. I have imbibed the culture of excellence and not mediocrity. I want the best for Benue,” he said.

Addressing the over 500 staff at the complex, Ortom cautioned that his administration would not condone indiscipline, truancy and lateness to work.

The governor, however, pledged to be fair to all by ensuring that justice and equity prevailed in all his dealings by entrenching core values like discipline, selflessness, transparency and accountability.

His words: “I have come with carrot and stick. No one would be punished unnecessarily except those who fail in their responsibilities. I will ensure that you succeed in your work.

“I will also not hide anything, this is the covenant I have made with God and the Benue people. I will insist that the right thing must always be done. I have imbibed the culture of excellence and not mediocrity. I want the best for Benue.”

Ortom promised to reward those who work hard and punish the disobedient and lazy ones.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary Government House, Mr. Eugene Ivase, pledged the loyalty of the staff to the new administration.