ORTOM APOLOGISES TO OGBEH, SAYS I HAVE TREMENDOUS RESPECT FOR HIM

Benue state governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has tendered unreserved apology to the honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Dr. Audu Ogbeh over the fracas that ensued between them at the Ministry of Interior at the height of the Fulani herdsmen attack on two communities in Benue state. 

The four man delegation which included the governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Senator Dr. George Akume, Senator Barnabas Gemade and the state deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, paid a courtesy call on the Agric Minister, Ogbeh, at his aso rock residence in Abuja shortly after the meeting with president Muhammadu Buhari 

Our correspent, Ezekiel Ehido reported that Sen. Akume who spoke on behalf of the delegation  told Ogbeh that it was misconception of ideas at the grieving period in the state that made the chief mourner of the massacre, Ortom, speak to him (Ogbeh) in a manner that could be regarded as rude. Akume said Ortom has asked them to come with him so he (Ortom) could unreservedly offer his apologies to that effect. 

Reacting to this development, Ogbeh who thanked the delegation and the governor for the decision to visit his abode for this purpose, noted that as a bonafide son of Benue and Nigeria at large, he (Ogbeh) would not only halt but falter any decision of the federal government capable of causing disaffection amongst his people.

The Minister told the Benue leaders that the "cattle colony" his ministry is suggesting is not a ploy to enthrone Fulani colonialism of any state as it does not transfer land ownership to herdsmen, stressing that it is not a new concept since the British had in 1942 proposed same even before Nigeria became an independent nation which is why the Obudu Cattle Ranch was established; a gesture that made founding fathers like Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello to set up ranches in Akunu and Mokwa and most recently Governor Mimiko in Anuga.

“You've done well and showed maturity in your decision to visit me here for this purpose; I have nothing against you or anyone in my State. It pains me that the state lost precious lives in the crisis. I understand the mood at the time but I think I was largely misunderstood when I said "cattle colony". Cattle colony is not contrary to ranches, it only suggests the concentration of ranches at one particular place to avoid having scattered ranches all over the state whose porous nature would fester more troubles for our farmers and herders. I accept this apology as a father and as someone who is more experienced in politics.

In biology, you have animal colonies, you have bees, snake colonies and in some places crocodiles. Once there is a large concentration of any species of animals whether artificial or natural you call them colonies” Ogbeh said

The Minister added that a colony is much larger and more viable, cheaper and safer because the colonies will have several ranches in them where the government is ready to provide water and feed at subsidized rates for the herds with the view to increasing their yields.