In spite of the animosity that often defines the relationship between Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and President Muhammadu Buhari he has commended the latter for what he identified as his steadfastness and indomitable spirit in upholding the ideals of nationhood.
Ortom made the remarks in his goodwill message to Buhari on his 80th birthday.
They had almost always disagreed on herdsmen-natives clashes in Benue, with Ortom arguing that Buhari is allegedly partial to the first, whom the Benue Government sees as aggressors.
But in a statement on Saturday, the governor urged the president to sustain the transparent lifestyle that had been his hallmark and signature tune over the years.
He also enjoined Buhari to ensure that he bequeathed the country to the incoming administration, devoid of the current security challenges.
“We are not there yet but the president has assured us that he will hand over a country that will be free from insecurity and current polarisation that has enveloped us.
“We need to be united again, not along ethnic or religious lines but along nationalistic ideals that bind us together,” he said.
Ortom said that it this was done, it would be the needed compass to direct the younger generation to live an upright life and have hope for a better nation.
He stressed the need for the president to continue to promote those attributes of transparency, honesty, fairness, equity and justice as panacea for peace and unity of the country.
The governor wished the president good health, peace and wisdom in the years ahead
