By Jimin Geoffrey

At least fifteen groups from Gboko Local Government yesterday endorsed Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator George Akume and John Dyegh for re-election in 2019.

They included the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the ward and local government levels, two members of the State House of Assembly, as well as elders, women and youths.

Others were the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Benue Motorcycle Association, BEMOA, Wheelbarrow Pushers Association, Fruits Dealers, Grinding Machine and Vulcanizers as well as Butchers.

The endorsement took place at the Gboko residence of Senator Akume.

The groups stated that they were satisfied with Governor Ortom's performance inspite of the economic recession, urging him to run for a second term in 2019.

They said his commitment to the provision of security for lives and property, enactment of the Anti-Open Grazing Law as well as the inclusion of many Gboko sons and daughters in his administration also accounted for their decision.

The groups also expressed happiness with both Senator Akume and Mr. Dyegh, member, House of Representatives for Gboko, Tarka Federal Constituency, and pledged to support them for another term.

Their spokesmen were Terkende Ishwa, Terkura Abugh, Dekera Afatugh, Bishop Goja, James Agbile and Amineti Adi.

Tina Abenga, Dekera Vergwa, Basil Yina, Mnyam Bam and Ape Ornguze also spoke.

Member of the Green Chamber, Mr. John Dyegh, member of the State Assembly for Gboko West, Mr. Terhemba Chabo, his colleague for Gboko East, Mrs. Ngohemba Agaigbe, Special Adviser to the Governor, Abua Yajir, Board Chairman, Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, Gboko Local Government Council Chair, Mrs. Beckie Orpin, as well as Mr. Linus Agbo, leader of the Gboko Legislative Council, also spoke in favour of the endorsement.

In his response, Governor Ortom expressed appreciation to Gboko people for their consistent support and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He said he would never allow political enemies to drive a wedge between him and Senator Akume because they were stronger together than divided.

Governor Ortom pledged to reduce the wage bill of the state and normalise the payment of salaries from next year.