Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says he is not among
those calling for the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ortom’s statement contradicts that of Nyesom Wike, governor
of Rivers, and his allies, which he was a part of.
Since the election of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar
as the standard-bearer of the party in May, the group has insisted that Ayu
must resign as a condition for supporting the PDP presidential candidate.
In a statement issued by Nathaniel Ikyur, his chief press
secretary, Ortom said he has confidence in Ayu’s ability to lead the party to
victory in next year’s general election.
The governor was reacting to the allegations by Jemgbagh
Development Association, Abuja that he was plotting the downfall of his fellow
Benue man, Ayu.
He said he worked tirelessly, alongside other prominent
Benue citizens, to ensure that Ayu was elected “as the national chairman of our
great party even against all odds”.
“The governor could not, therefore, turn around to work
against him to be removed from office,” the statement reads.
“Governor Ortom
vouched for the integrity and capacity of Dr Iyorchia Ayu to lead and rebuild
the PDP to victory and rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the APC
maladministration. That is why Ayu was returned unopposed by the northern
caucus of the party and got elected as the national chairman of the PDP at the
party’s convention.
“Where was Jemgbagh Development Association, when Governor
Ortom galvanised support from across the leaders of the party to make Dr. Ayu
PDP’s National Chairman? What was their contribution to that project that they
now want to use clannish stance to blackmail the governor?
“This amorphous and emergency Jemgbagh Development
Association, Abuja, which has never been heard of before, is now masquerading
as the voice of Jemgbagh to embark on campaign of calumny against Governor
Ortom, who has worked selflessly for the people of Benue State.
“Governor Ortom is more Jemgbagh than most of the people
claiming it now. This is fact, because he has done more for Jemgbagh, both in
terms of appointments and projects executed as well as patronage in the area,
than even one of the Jemgbagh sons, who was governor. Besides, Governor Ortom
has consistently worked for the unity of Benue State and will never stand in
the way of any of her citizens, either here in the state or in the diaspora
“For those, who
claimed to be leaders of this Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja, we urge
them to be truly developmental in their drive to build cohesion among the
people and attract real development to their area rather than engaging in
mischief or blackmail.”
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