By Zege Paul
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, on Monday, September 7, 2026, received the leadership and members of the Independent Print Publishers Association of Nigeria (IPPAN), alongside leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, at his Makurdi residence on a solidarity visit.
The visit was aimed at appreciating the former governor for his support and encouragement to the media community, as well as introducing the new leadership of the association to him.
Ortom expressed appreciation to the IPPAN members for the visit and urged journalists to remain committed to the growth and development of Benue State through responsible and constructive journalism.
He particularly called for constructive criticism, stressing that journalists have a responsibility to ask questions and hold government accountable whenever public officials or institutions deviate from their responsibilities.
The former governor urged journalists to scrutinise government policies and the management of public resources, especially at a time he said the effective functioning of the three arms of government in the state was being threatened.
Ortom cited the issue of funds accruing to local government areas from the Federation Account, saying journalists should question the utilisation of such resources and demand accountability from those in authority.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the bold decision to remove fuel subsidy, saying the policy could produce positive results for Nigerians if governors properly managed the resources available to them.
The former governor expressed concern that despite increased allocations to local governments, many communities were yet to see corresponding development, urging journalists not to remain silent on issues affecting the people.
Ortom recalled that despite the comparatively limited resources available to his administration, his government executed projects across the three senatorial zones and local government areas of the state.
He challenged the present Benue State Government to fulfill its campaign promises and provide tangible evidence of its achievements, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
He also urged journalists to ask the government questions about its performance, noting that the administration was yet to commission a single project, and warned that failure to speak truth to power could attract the judgment of posterity.
Ortom assured the media community of his continued support whenever they call on him, stressing that he would remain available to support initiatives that promote the welfare and development of journalists.
Earlier, the President of IPPAN, Chief Maurice Tsav, said the delegation was at Ortom’s residence to appreciate him for his consistent support and to inform him that the tenure of the current executive had ended, with preparations underway for the election of new officers.
Tsav said IPPAN had no regret choosing Chief Ortom as its Grand Patron and pledged the association’s continued loyalty to his leadership, while its founder, Hon. Tahav Agerzua, appreciated the former governor for his financial support and encouragement to members.
The President of the NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, also appreciated Ortom for his support to journalists and said the delegation was there to present the new executives of the association, praying God to continue to bless and strengthen the former governor.
