Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has warned his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong against interfering into the affairs of the state.
Governor Ortom gave the warning early hours of Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting with National Economic Council, NEC, technical committee on herdsman/ farmers crisis resolution led by Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.
The meeting which commenced Sunday night at the new banquet hall, government house, Makurdi dragged to early hours of Monday.
The governor in his remarks at the meeting told the audience that his deputy, Benson Abounu had met Lalong at a function outside the state recently where Lalong said he still stands by his statement, warning governor Ortom to desist from the anti-open grazing law.
According to Ortom, “my deputy told me that he had a discussion with Lalong recently at a function, where he said that he had to apologize to me over his statement because of pressure on him, saying, he stands by his earlier statement.
“He also told people that he introduced this Kenya woman in this committee to me, whereas, this woman was introduced to me by Nasir El Rufai, not him.
“Am the governor here (Benue), how can he say that he warned me, who is he to warn me, he can only advise me.”
It would be recalled that Governor Lalong at the peak of the herdsmen attacks onBenue State told newsmen in Abuja that he warned governor Ortom against the new law.
Other speakers who spoke at the meeting include; Catholic Bishop, Makudi diocese, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, former attorney general and minister of justice, Hon. Mike Aondoaka, SAN, a former commissioner in the state, Mrs Rebecca Akpedzan.
Others include; president general Mdzough U Tiv, Cheif Edward Ujege, Benard Hon, SAN, State chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev Akpen Negua and a second class traditional ruler, Chief Abomtse.
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