President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political leaders seeking a second term to emulate the leadership style of Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, noting that he did not recruit thugs during his tenure.
The President made the remark through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, at the Tiv Day Celebration held in Gboko on Saturday, December 13th, 2025.
“Anyone who wants to have a second term must learn from Ortom. He did not recruit thugs,” Tinubu said, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and responsible leadership.
Speaking at the event, SGF Akume reinforced the message, urging Nigerians, “Don’t be recruited as a thug.”
He stressed that political engagement should be conducted peacefully and responsibly, highlighting the dangers of violence in the political process.
The remarks were part of broader Tiv Day celebrations themed “The Rebirth of the Tiv Nation,” which also honoured Tiv culture, heritage, and the contributions of the Tiv people to Nigeria’s unity and development.
