Makurdi
The lingering feud between incumbent governor, Samuel Ortom and his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam may have come to an end as the two Tiv prominent sons have agreed to mend fences.
The feud between the two former friends and political ally was said to have started around 2014 when Suswam, who was then governor of Benue state, refused to support Ortom’s ambition of becoming governor.
But in a meeting which lasted between 7 pm on Sunday till 2am on Monday at the Tor Tiv palace in Gboko, the friends-turned foes agreed to put their disagreement behind and forge ahead for the common good of the state.
Confirming the incident to newsmen yesterday at the People’s House Makurdi, Ortom said the reconciliation meeting was held at the instance of the Tor Tiv V, Prof James Ayatse.
He said the paramount ruler had called them together and told them he had noticed they were no longer in talking terms and the situation was not healthy for the progress of the state.
“Principally the meeting was a peace meeting. I was there, the former governor Suswam was there.
“The Tor Tiv called us and said he noticed that the relationship between me and the former governor was not good and that we should sheath our swords and work together for the common good of the people.
“He said the challenge we are having in the state is because of the inability of us to synergise and work for the common good of the state. He asked us to put our differences behind and work for the interest of the state and Tiv land instead of dancing naked in the public,” he added.
Ortom said some people were feeding fat on the differences he had with the former governor but the issue would end now that they had agreed to reconcile.
His words: “I think those saying I have gone to beg Suswam are those who were benefitting from the misunderstanding I was having with Suswam but now we have reconciled; so they will not have anywhere to go again.
“I am in the ruling party; I am governor of Benue state. So why should I go and beg that I am looking for a platform. Why should I be looking for a platform because I have already told you that I have suspended political activities? Now I am working for my people and until the security challenge we are facing is resolved.
“I believe that Mr. President has sent in security, and the issue will soon be resolved and I will resume political activities,” he said.
Speaking on the issue, the Tor Tiv, Prof Ayatse said, as a father he felt very bad when the two distinguished sons of Tiv who were supposed to attract development were rather at logger heads hence the need to call them together for reconciliation and to hear both sides.
