The immediate past Governor of Benue State and the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, today at Unongo Village in Kwande local government area, paid last respects to the former Minister of Steel Development, Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo.
Addressing the Ichongo people at Tse Kwaghngise, the late Paul Unongo’s hometown, Chief Ortom stated that the late Unongo has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He expressed solace in the fact that Unongo has left behind indelible legacies.
The former Governor consoled the family of Unongo Kwangise, the Turan people of Kwande, and the entire Ichongo Akem of the Tiv nation over the death of their son, brother, father, and leader.
Chief Ortom who is the first and so far the only Ichongo son to hold the office of Governor of Benue State, stated that he is among the political legacies the late Wantaregh has left behind and will always be proud to identify himself as a political creation of the late icon of democracy.
He commended his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, for constructing the road to Unongo’s village and ensuring that the late leader receives a befitting burial.
Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Terlumun Akputu, thanked Chief Ortom for honouring the late Wantaregh. He described Ortom as the next leader of Ichongo, appealing to him to unite Ichongo sons and daughters, irrespective of party affiliations.
The Ter Kwande, HRH Engr. Timothy Tavershima Ahile, praised Chief Ortom as one of the illustrious political sons of Unongo who have excelled and have contributed the development of the state and country at large. He appreciated the former Governor for his condolence visit, calling it a wise decision to visit the Unongo family and the entire Kwande ahead of the late Wantaregh’s burial tomorrow.
Chief Ortom was accompanied on the visit by party stalwarts from various political divides, including PDP state officials, former aides of the former Governor, as well as other notable figures such as former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and PDP candidate in the 2023 gubernatorial election, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba; Leader of PDP G14, Dr. Laha Dzever, Chief David Amo, State Deputy Chairman of PDP Hon. Azua Ashongo, PDP State Secretary; Hon. Dan Nyikwagh, PDP Organizing Secretary Hon. Caleb Abba, and Hon. Charles Torbunde. Others were Chief Godwin Uwua; elder Jerome Uyina, elder Sam Dam Ayali, Dr. Sarwuan Tarnongonu, Dr. James Anbua, Dr. Frank Ikyungun, Hon. Pine, Hon. Isaac Mffo, Barr. Clement Tera Mue, Hon. Ortese Gbegi, Chief Emma Viashima, former Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Terver Akase; former Principal Special Assistant, Hon Abrahams Kwaghngu, former Security Adviser, Col. Paul Hembah (rtd.), former Special Adviser, Hon. Namkwagh Ahoo; and all PDP Chairmen from the 14 Tiv-speaking local governments areas in Benue State.