From Austine Tule, Makurdi
Chief of Staff to governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State , Tewase Orbunde on Thursday tendered his resignation letter to enable him vie for the governorship of the state in 2023.
The AUTHORITY gathered that his resignation is sequel to a directive by the governor that all appointees seeking elective positions should step aside on the last day of September.
Orbunde, a former member of the House of Representatives in the third republic in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Benue State Government, a copy of which was made available to The AUTHORITY informed the decision was born out of a genuine desire to serve adding his ambition was also prophetic.
The immediate past Chief of Staff informed further that the prophetic journey to his exit from office started in 1995.
According to him, Governor Ortom had approached him with a message he informed he received from God while in Zaria, a week earlier, that he would anchor his Governorship Campaign someday.
Orbunde in the letter added that ” In 2012 when he reiterated to me that the year would be 2015, we commenced activities towards the realization of the vision he had received. Subsequently, in spite of the dramatic twists and turns, God, through the people of Benue State, gave us electoral victories at the 2015 and 2019 General Elections.
“Governor Ortom graciously and magnanimously gave me space for participation in his Administration as Chief of Staff in both the First and Second tenures. The participation broadened my perspectives, exposed me further, gave me cognate experience, and built my capacities in the service of our people.”
According to him” However, as we approach the twilight of the two tenures, I feel strongly led of God that I have completed my tour of duty as Chief of Staff and have been called to make myself available for another assignment as Benue State Governor in 2023.
“I express profound gratitude and appreciation to God Almighty, to my boss, principal, brother, and friend, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, who has reposed unparalleled confidence in me by giving me the opportunity to serve in the exalted Office of Chief of Staff in his Administration.
“In the Office I held, I had the honor and privilege of being the Governor’s Armour Bearer and Man Friday, as described by the media.
” I leave with every sense of appreciation and fulfilment for the milestones we have been able to record in the discharge of the Mandate which the people of the State gave my boss, and with high hopes and faith in God for a brighter future.
“I also wish to express appreciation to Her Excellency, Dr Eunice Ortom, Wife of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, the Head of Service, Mrs Veronica Onyeke, and all other Members of the State Executive Council, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, my colleagues, friends associates and well wishers for their support and cooperation which have contributed greatly to the successful discharge of my duties as Chief of Staff.”
