Mr Ortom urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity and prioritise the collective interest of Benue State.
He described Mr Akume as a statesman and a consummate leader.
He stressed that Mr Tinubu meant well for the country.
The minister said that the news of Bernard’s death came as a rude shock to him.
“This government only attempts to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” he said.
The SWC expressed optimism that Mr Ortom’s contributions to the BOT would strengthen the party’s cohesion in Benue.
The cleric pledged to continue to do the best for the people of the diocese.
He urged them to unite and work as a single block to achieve the target.
Mr Ortom said he had no option but to respect God’s wish and admitted that he failed to consult God before joining the 2023 election, hence his defeat.
‘‘You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond.’’
