By ‘Dotun Akintomide
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has debunked a media report claiming he has plan to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to a statement issued in Markurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase the media report on the governor’s purported plan to leave the APC was false, misleading and handiwork of detractors.
”We read a report in a national daily of today which named Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom as one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders planning to defect to another political party.
”The report which is obviously sponsored is not only false but also misleading. Governor Ortom has no intention to leave APC for another party and has not consulted anyone on the matter.”
Following the ongoing blood-letting in Benue caused by the herders-farmers’ crisis, rumors have been making the rounds that Ortom may likely join another party due to the inability of the Buhari-led federal government to dissuade the hersdmen from continuing the killing spree.
However, in the statement Ortom had said, “There is no cause to warrant his defection to another party.”
It said that the main focus of the governor was to deliver greater benefits of democracy to his people including tackling the security challenges confronting them.
It explained that Ortom’s stance of seeking justice over the invasion, killing and wanton destruction of property by suspected herdsmen was what any good leader ought to do.
”It must be noted that the killings predate the APC as a party and the present administration. The governor’s focus is on solving the problem in collaboration with other stakeholders.”
It added: “Fortunately, President Buhari has responded positively by sending troops and other security operatives to chase away the armed militia from Benue communities.”
The statement further dismissed insinuations that Ortom had fallen out of favour with other leaders of APC in Benue, including Sen. George Akume.
“The report is aimed at creating acrimony between the Governor and the Senator.
”Governor Ortom was popularly elected to lead Benue State and he has demonstrated uncommon commitment and selflessness in justifying the confidence reposed in him.
“He, will therefore, not be distracted by baseless reports and rumour of defection.
”What is of greater concern to the governor now, is how to stop the killings in the state and also tackle the humanitarian crisis that displaced nearly 500,000 people.’’
