Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, has distanced himself from Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike’s calls for the resignation of Iyiorcha Ayu as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This is contained in a statement by Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, on Tuesday.
According to the governor, who was reacting allegations by Jemgbagh Development Association Abuja that he was plotting the downfall of his fellow Benue man, Ayu said contrary to the demand by Wike’s camp for Ayu to resign, he wants Ayu to remain as the chairman of the party.
The statement said Ortom 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.
“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,” the statement added.
