We have read reports insinuating that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and return to All Progressives Congress, APC.
Such unfounded insinuations have grown stronger since the Governor’s visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.
We wish to categorically state that Governor Ortom has no reason and no plan to leave PDP.
As leader of the party in the state, the Governor enjoys a robust relationship with other PDP leaders and members at the state and national levels.
The Benue electorate has also indicated clearly from the results of the last general election that the PDP remains their preferred political party. Governor Ortom always stands with his people and this, he will continue to do.
We wish to advise those spreading the rumour and misleading people to know that President Buhari is not an APC President. He is the President of the whole Nigeria across party divides. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces and receives periodic briefings from State Governors and other stakeholders.
Governor Ortom’s visit to the the Presidential Villa was therefore to discuss state matters particularly to give the President an update on the security situation in his state and the efforts the Government is making to guarantee peace in all parts of the state as well as its borders with other states such as Taraba and Ebonyi.
Politics is over. Now is time for governance to ensure that development gets to the people. We advise those making unfounded speculations and fanning embers of discord to allow Governor Ortom and President Buhari to synergise where possible and concentrate on strategizing to ensure the security of lives and property as well as general welfare of the people.
Terver Akase
Chief Press Secretary
May 14, 2019.
