Ortom speaks on not making Buhari’s national honours list

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has broken the silence on being snubbed by President Muhammadu Buhari who recently conferred national honours on 470 Nigerians and foreigners.

.According to him, he deeply appreciates the call by the group known as Movement for Good Governance and Democracy, as well as other Nigerians who have expressed concerns that he should have been on the list of those recently awarded.

He appealed to the concerned individuals and groups not to make an issue out of the awards but rather pray for him to continue to play his role of serving Benue State and the country.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Terver Akase, on Monday, Ortom said he’s not perturbed by the snub but focused on serving the people of the state.

The Governor said he was satisfied with the honour and constant support Benue people have given him to succeed since 2015.

The statement read in part, “The Governor remains grateful to Almighty God for the grace to lead the state and also be able to make contributions towards nation-building.

“He congratulates all recipients of the National Honours Awards and urges them to sustain their selfless services to the country.”

Meanwhile, the national awards were conferred on individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields and contributed to the nation’s growth and development.

Among the awardees of the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) include eminent figures like the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed.

The President also conferred the GCON on Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Kayode Ariwoola, immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad and renowned diplomat Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. Read more here.