Ortom Defends Vehicle Use for Obi's Humanitarian Visit

Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, defended his choice to allow his vehicle to transport Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, during Obi's visit to Benue. Ortom stated that refusing assistance to Obi, a fellow former governor and presidential candidate, would have been petty and undignified, especially since Obi was on a humanitarian mission to support victims of violence in the state.

Ortom's media aide, Terver Akase, communicated this position in response to claims from the administration of current Governor Hyacinth Alia, who suggested that Ortom facilitated Obi's visit. The controversy intensified when Alia's Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, revealed that the vehicle used by Obi was registered in Ortom's name.

Ortom dismissed the allegations as unnecessary, asserting that providing transportation was a courtesy that should have been extended by the state government itself, given Obi's status.