The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom yesterday lamented that he has been abandoned by all those he gave positions in his government, regretting that all his appointees have not been able to stand for him in the face of opposition.

He spoke while innaugurating the governing board members and two governing councils at the Government House in Makurdi. Names of the Boards and Governing Councils are; Alfred Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, Colleges of Education, Katsina-Ala and Oju.

Others are; Benue State Examinations Board, IBB Square Management Board, Benue Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), Benue State Scholarship Board, Benue State Planning Commission, Benue Sports Council, Land Use Allocation Committee and Adult and Non-Formal Education as well as Boundaries Committee, Council for Arts and Culture, Radio Benue, Benue Tourism Board, Benue State Urban Development Board, Benue State Water Board and Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Ortom said that rather than defending him wherever his government is being battered by opposition, “They will rather keep mute,” adding that the appointees have not contributed meaningfully to the success of his administration in the past three years.

“l know all these while that l have nobody in my government. It is unfortunate that l had surrounded myself with appointees who cannot defend me or this government. I have realized that I have given the opportunity to serve with me in this government are not doing good to me.

“I’m all alone. This is because each time they are confronted with issues regarding me or the government, they would not defend me or the government, rather they would remain mute. But l know that God will see us through.”

The governor, however, charged the newly appointed board and governing council members to do their best in order to meet the yearnings of the people of the State.

He said that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, saying he would not hesitate to deal with anyone found diverting public funds into private pockets.

According to him, “It is necessary to urge all the appointees that they have come to serve at a time that challenges are numerous but the people’s expectations are high. The implication of this is that you should swiftly deploy your experience to respond to all these challenges and expectations. The meagre resources of the State must be frugally managed to get the best results for the people.”