GOVERNANCE AND THE POLITICS OF
WHEELBARROWS IN GOVERNOR ORTOM'S
ADMINISTRATION
By
Akoko J. Smith
In the time space of yesterday and today,
Facebook has been flooded with myriads of
grievous comments by the Benue indigenes as
reactions to the governor's poverty alleviation
strategy_the purchase of wheelbarrows with
the inscription, "ORTOM FOR YOU", to be
distributed to the youths of the state. A slight
perusal at the different reactions are
indication of dangerous vexation, as the
governor's move, to them, is either a white
elephant project or a mockery of governance
— or both altogether.
A social activist, Andyson Iji Egbodo in a post
titled "ORTOMATIC ACTIONS" wrote thus:
"Youth Empowerment: Benue state Governor,
Samuel Ortom, donated branded
wheelbarrows to Benue youths, said his
government is determined to create jobs. OUR
BENUE, OUR PAINS!"
Similarly, a lecturer at the Federal University
of Agriculture, Makurdi, Godwin Ijuo posted
thus: "I don't know what to say about this
kind gesture by the governor of Benue State.
He has decided to alleviate the people's
suffering, resulting from his refusal to pay
salaries..." This got comments like:
1. Thunder fire him!
2. Why is this man so wicked? He go the use
God name the deceive us
3. God, help Ortom and deliver him from
timidity and backwardness
4. It's an insult to his immediate family and
lack of vision. He should come and learn from
Ambode of Lagos state.
To Freeman Sunday, a student of Benue State
University, Makurdi, an institution which is
currently on strike over unpaid allowances,
this gesture of the governor "typically portrays
the intention of our leaders towards the so-
called leaders of tomorrow". "No wonder, the
teachers are not paid, schools are shutdown,
yet no one shows concern," Freeman
lamented.
Meanwhile, having read the reactions above,
it is clear that disdain and fury are apparently
discernible. Perhaps, the preconceived notion
of Ortom's personality couple with his
campaign manifestos will not allow anyone to
think differently.
Firstly, against his opponent, Tarzoor, who
was known as 'Man Wey Sabi', Ortom was
known as 'Man of God' for his preaching and
broad knowledge of the Bible. He promised
change like every other gubernatorial aspirant
under the platform of APC and held out better
prospects to the Benue people, which led to
the euphoria and rumbustious excitement that
greeted his emergence in 2015.
Today, the prospect is mirage; change under
his control can no longer usher in panacea,
the hope of the people has regrettably
collapsed, disillusionment whirls the wind
and recession is used as alibi to blindfold the
people from having an ugly sight of ineptitude
and bad governance. After the election what
is obtainable? Incessant herdsmen attack on
the Benue communities, unpaid salaries,
unpaid allowances (resulting to ASUU strike)
and 'branded' wheelbarrows as against the
promised security, employment and free
education.
Well, it is actually a kind gesture — as his
faithfuls may tag it — albeit, laced with
primitive barbarism. Though it is understood
that election is close by and possible strategies
need to be put in place, it is increasingly
important that His Excellency temporarily
stalls politics and prioritize governance,
which is the heartbeat of the Benue people.
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cc lalasticlala mynd44 Dominique

JideAmuGiaka:
ORTOMATIC ACTION in deed.