Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has publicly addressed recent claims suggesting he harbored personal animosity toward the late President Muhammadu Buhari. In a candid interview aired on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ortom firmly stated, “I didn’t hate Buhari, I didn’t hate his government, I didn’t hate any Fulani man.” His remarks come amid renewed national discourse on the persistent insecurity plaguing Benue and other parts of Nigeria.
Ortom emphasized that his criticisms of the Buhari administration were rooted in duty, not emotion. “I was elected to provide security and welfare for my people. I couldn’t just watch and continue to bury innocent citizens,” he said, referencing the numerous attacks that have devastated communities across Benue.
During his tenure from 2015 to 2023, Ortom was a vocal opponent of federal initiatives such as the RUGA settlement scheme and cattle colony proposals, which he described as “camouflage to deceive Nigerians.” He argued that these policies failed to address the root causes of violence and instead exacerbated tensions between farmers and herders.
Ortom reiterated his belief that ranching is the sustainable solution to Nigeria’s livestock management crisis, citing global best practices from countries like Argentina and South Africa. “There is no way cattle rearing and farmers can cohabit. It’s a recipe for continued crisis,” he warned.
The former governor also expressed disappointment that the Buhari administration did not adopt the security solutions proposed by his government. “Had they cooperated, the insecurity in Benue could have been a thing of the past,” Ortom asserted.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, Ortom’s remarks serve as a call for honest dialogue, responsible leadership, and urgent action. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peace and justice: “I spoke out not out of hate, but out of love for my people and the responsibility entrusted to me.”