Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Friday, warned traditional rulers engaged in illegal road blocks in their domain for the purpose of collecting tax to desist from such act as anyone caught would be severally dealt with.
Ortom further threatened that he would not hesitate to dethrone any traditional ruler involved in acts of illegality in the state.
The governor gave the warning at Tse-Ugbada, Igyorov Council Ward, Ipav in Gboko during a funeral oration in honour of a former Director of Audit, Office of the Accountant General for the Federation, late Nicholas Tor Mtemave.https://scudnewsng.com
Ortom, who was responding to pleas by the Chairman of Gboko local government, Hon James Kachina, maintained that his administration would continue to take proactive measures against illegal tax operators, stressing that illegal checkpoints had negatively affected markets in parts of the state and revenue generation.
He charged people of the state who are not affected by herders attacks to intensify their farming activities especially cassava, water melon and other food crops to boost food production.
Ortom condoled the bereaved family and prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest just as he encouraged the wife and children to always look unto God and not man. He said God would always provide for them in times of need.
While also reacting to concerns raised by the District Head of Igyorov, Zaki Orshi Ugese, on the plight of traditional rulers, Ortom assured that plans were underway to amend the Local Government and Chieftaincy Law of the state to make provisions for other categories of traditional rulers.
The governor recounted his humble beginning when he served a member of the family, Mnenge Mtemave, as conductor during his childhood at Gboko motor park, adding that it was imperative to also identify with them in their period of bereavement.
