Former Deputy Governor to the first civilian Governor of Benue state, late Aper Aku, Alhaji Sule Yaji has described Governor Samuel Ortom as having similar leadership qualities of his principal.
The former deputy governor who made the assertion on Friday when he visited Governor Ortom at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, described him as brave, straight forward and proactive just the way Aku was, saying with such leaders Benue is blessed.
He noted that as an agrarian state, anything that touches Benue farmers must worry the leader, pointing out that when a focused and determined man leads, the followers are inspired.
While recalling his fond memories as Deputy Governor and part of Benue State, Alhaji Sule said it was a thing of joy for him to be hosted by Governor Ortom after 38 years of service to the State, saying he feels elated each time Benue is mentioned.
He expressed satisfaction that Governor Ortom had taken steps to complete some of the projects their administration started while also initiating numerous other projects during his tenure.
Alhaji Yaji prayed God to bless youth who are aspiring to occupy leadership positions in the state, even as he noted that as old and experienced leaders, they would continue to pray for the young ones and to provide direction.
Responding, Governor Ortom thanked the former Deputy Governor for the visit to encourage him, saying that it was a privilege to host such a great leader who helped Aku to lay a solid foundation upon which his successors are building on.
The Governor prayed God to grant Alhaji Yaji long life so he could continue to positively impact on the younger generation.
It will be recalled that Aper Aku, Sule Yaji were elected as Governor and deputy from 1979 and were reelected in 1983 before the military regime of the then Major General Muhammadu Buhari regime intervened in the polity and ended the civilian regime.
The then governor Aku who fled to the Republic of Cameroon was arrested and jailed for 22 years by the Buhari’s military tribunal.