Ortom reacts as Catholic bishop stops him from speaking at slain Suswam's burial

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has reacted after the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya refused to allow him or any other politician speak at the requiem mass of slain businessman, Dr. Terkula Suswam.

The Herald had reported that Dr Suswam and his aide were shot dead on March 2.

The businessman-cum-politician was buried today.

According to a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, former Governor and younger brother of the deceased, Senator Gabriel Suswam was also stopped from speaking at the mass.

However, Akase said in the Saturday statement that as a devout Christian, the governor would not join issues with the clergy over the matter.

The statement read, “Governor Samuel Ortom appreciates the concerns raised by Benue people on social media and elsewhere following the decision of the Bishop of Gboko Catholic Diocese, His Lordship William Avenya not to allow him, Senator Suswam or any other person to speak during the requiem mass for Dr Terkura Suswam today in Anyiin.

“As a devout Christian, Governor Ortom will not join issues with any anointed man of God and advises his supporters to do same.

“He reaffirms the support of his administration to the growth of the church which he says has contributed significantly to the development of the state.”