The former governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, has advised the erstwhile fleeing governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello to come out of hiding to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Communities (EFCC).
Bello, referred to as the white lion of Kogi, has been a fugitive since the April 17 failed attempt by the EFCC to arrest him in connection with alleged misappropriation of N80.2 billion belonging to the state.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service organised by his former appointees to mark his 63rd birthday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, regional headquarters in Makurdi yesterday, Ortom told the congregation that he had tried to reach his former colleague on phone but to no avail.
“Let me use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, former governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors.
“If you are called to come and account for your stewardship by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, go there.
“You do not need to hide from EFCC; you do not need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and explain. EFCC are human beings who are doing their work.
“If they are making inquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, I could not, I tried those around him, but I could not. I want him to note, wherever he is, if he can hear me from there, he should go before the EFCC,” Ortom said.
Thereafter, Ortom reflected on his eight years in office as governor and likened to being in incarceration.
“You live like a prisoner, you are restricted and many people you would want to see, you are unable to see them while those that want to see you will not be able to see you because of the security restriction. And some will hate you thinking it was deliberate.
“I know that it is not everything I did that favoured everyone and it was not everything I did that favoured me also, that is the fact.
“That is why I always encourage everyone of us to pray for leaders, pray for our President, Governors, political office holders and others including the clergy.
We are all prone to make mistakes as human beings because we are not perfect, prayer is very important,”.
He thanked his aides for honouring him with a birthday bash.
“I did not know that I am still being appreciated after leaving office. This gesture may make me come out of my hibernation.”
