A Catholic priest from Gboko diocese in Benue state on Wednesday 27 December 2017 stopped the State Governor, Chief. Samuel Ortom from making a speech at the thanksgiving service to mark the 64th birthday of Senator George Akume at St Christopher’s church Wannune, Tarka LG.

According to sources in Wannune, the Parish Priest , Reverend Father Ashwe, did not allow the Governor to make his speech on the issue of non payment of salaries in the State.
Fr Ashwe said, during service, there was no way the governor would be allowed to talk.

Ashwe further explained to his people that the governor has failed to pay workers salaries thus causing hardship to workers in the State.

Akume had spoken at the thanksgiving mass and gave the microphone to Ortom to make a speech about the situation of things in Benue but Rev Father Ashwe did not allow the governor make his remarks, asking him to wait until they get to the reception venue where he could lie to the people about salary issues and other matters as much as he wanted. Ashwe added that he would not allow Ortom to stand in God’s house to deceive the people again.

Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor has however released a statement saying there is no rift between the governor and the Gboko Catholic diocese.