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Tag: Ortom

  • More trouble for APC as 13 Benue LG Chairmen join Gov. Ortom in PDP

    Thirteen out of the 23 local government chairmen in Benue State have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The chairmen announced their defection to the PDP at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Friday, two days after Governor Samuel Ortom left the APC for the PDP.

    Those who defected include Anthony Shawon of Guma Local Government Area (LGA), Justina Sorka of Buruku LGA, Mwuese Ubebe of Konshisha LGA, Blessing Unogwo of Ado LGA, Virginia Kpindi of Katsina-Ala LGA and George Alli of Otukpo LGA.

    Others are Comfort Echeoda of Agatu LGA, Francis Ayaga of Gwer West LGA, Uaah Vitalis of Gwer East LGA, Richard Nyajo of Logo LGA, Ibellogo Tor of Tyokaa- Ukum LGA, Adakole Abutu of Ohimini LGA and Peter Onche of Obi LGA.

     

  • Defection: Ortom makes political capital out of human graves, celebrates death of his people – Oshiomhole

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole has said that the party was relieved that Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “I am relieved as national chairman, and I believe that the leadership of the party in Benue is also relieved that Ortom has left the party and returned to the club he belongs”, Oshiomhole said in an interview with newsmen on Friday..

    Oshiomhole lampooned the PDP as a “club whose philosophy is to share the money and not develop communities”.

    “We now have a clean platform to search for a clean and credible candidate from Benue, a candidate that can provide leadership that the great people of Benue state deserves. And not someone who seeks to make political capital out of human graves and celebrating the death of his own people,”he said.

    Oshiomhole added that as a party, the APC condemns killings by any criminal whether in Benue state or any other part of the country.

    He said that the APC accepts that government’s responsibility must be to protect lives and properties.

    However, the party will condemn in strong terms anyone in government that seeks to get political capital from the shedding of blood.

    He stressed that government at all levels have shared responsibility of protecting Nigerians irrespective of religious, social and political status.

    Oshiomhole accused the Benue governor of ineptitude in the discharge of his duties as chief security officer of his state and insisted that Ortom got the party’s ticket,”on a platter of gold”.

    This, he said, was especially so, because the governor never participated during the process of the party’s formation.

    He added that the party would henceforth, be more thorough on its choice of candidate.

    “He became a candidate by accident and the lesson for our party is that never again should anyone become a candidate on our platform by accident.

    “It has to be by conscious choice, my aim is that we will have a political party that is defined by clear cut ideology and people will join or abstain from joining on the premise of conviction,”he said.

    He added that it was unfortunate that while President Muhammadu Buhari had been to other states in the federation to commission projects, there has been none to commission in Benue.

    This, Oshiomhole said, was so because Gov. Ortom had not developed any project since he assumed office, adding that this was one of the complaints the Benue APC leaders brought against him.

    The APC national chairman also accused Gov. Ortom of making political gain on the security situation in his state, after allegedly spending heavily on security.

    He said that the Benue governor when asked to defend himself following the accusations against him, could not give reasonable explanation.

    “Whereas the President and Vice President had visited other states to commission projects, they had only visited Benue on condolence visits.

    “It is OK to lament that there is no federal presence. Where is the explanation for the absence of projects in Benue state?

    “Ortom’s argument is that he had diverted a lot of funds to security issues ,” Oshiomhole said.

    He added that the governor’s, claim of spending so much on security in the state raises more questions.

    He noted that while the governor claimed that he had spent N22 billion received from the Federal Government on security, the people of the state were more and more insecure.

    Oshiomhole said he felt scandalised watching Gov. Ortom on television saying he had to leave the APC because the party could not protect the state.

  • Defection: Ortom betrayed our trust – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday accused Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of betrayind the trust reposed in him by the party after his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Recall that the governor defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, saying the party was no longer properly positioned to address the yearnings of Benue people.

    Bolaji Abdullahi, national spokesperson for the APC, said the party found the defection “somewhat surprising” because concerted efforts were made to keep Mr Ortom in its fold, and regretted that the governor had to leave.

    “The party recalls efforts made by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to address some of the grievances raised by the Benue State Governor pertaining to the local politics in Benue State.

    “The governor had left the meeting saying he was satisfied with the assurances given by party leaders. We are still working on giving effect to the resolutions from the meeting. Therefore, we are somewhat surprised by Governor Ortom’s decision,” Abdullahi said.

    Nonetheless, the party said it would continue to respect the rights of citizens to chose which party they found accommodating enough for their political endeavours, even as he indicated that negotiations would continue to prevent others from decamping.

    “The party reiterates its earlier position that it respects the rights of every citizen to chose their political affiliation but expresses hope that those who have left the Party will rescind their decisions.

    “Even with this development, we don’t think it is too late for reconciliation. We have to continue to talk. As long as people keep their minds open and have the courage to put the real issues on the table, reconciliation is still possible,” he added.

    The APC has been experiencing a wave of defection lately. At least 15 of its senators and 37 of its House of Representatives members decamped on Tuesday. A substantial majority of them swiftly joined the PDP.

    Recall that the APC speaker had earlier been impeached following mass defection of members that elevated the PDP to the majority in recent weeks.

    The development had been predicted to hurt the ruling party’s chances of retaining power in 2019 general elections.

    Abdullahi urged all APC members to remain calm and be absolutely confident of the party’s ability to ensure that more high-profile politicians remained on its platform.

    “We once again call on members across the country to remain calm as the party leadership continues to work hard to position the party strongly for the next general elections,” Abdullahi said.

     

  • 2019: PDP governorship aspirants kick against Ortom’s planned defection

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Benue have kicked against the return of the state governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, to the party.

    The aspirants operating as “Forum of PDP Governorship Aspirants in Benue’’, stated this at news conference on Monday in Abuja.

    Leader of the group, Dr Terhemen Tarzoor, said that the aspirants were not opposed to anybody coming into PDP but were mindful of such person’s character and values.

    He said that while the aspirants wanted PDP to reclaim victory in Benue, they could not afford to accept someone of negative value coming to rob them of the chances of the party’s victory in 2019.

    “We are people who believe that there should be value addition.

    “This is someone who has not paid salaries for over one year and Benue people are not happy.

    “The national secretariat of the party in its decision-making position, if they go with the philosophy of not recognising that all politics is local, then I can tell you we can lose.

    “We are ready to accommodate everybody but let us not accommodate people who are of negative values that will rob on the party’s chances in the state.”

    Tarzoor, who was PDP’s governorship candidate 2015 election in the state, said that if the person returning had negative value, the party should not go on believing that someone was coming in with state’s funds.

    “We should look at the value of the person coming in because live is about credit and debit.

    “He will come with the credit side which is money, but the debit side, we will lose election,” Tarzoor said.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the forum, Prof. David Ker, said that while effort was ongoing by national leadership of the party to expand and boost PDP’s strength towards 2019, they should be mindful of the reality in Benue.

    Ker said that they were mindful that it was in the interest of the party to welcome new members, but that it would be of more interest to ensure internal democracy and not allow imposition.

    “We reiterate that a level-playing field for a free, fair and transparent primary election which has been promised us by the Benue state leadership of the PDP should be provided.

  • 2019: Despite holding peace talks, Ortom insists ‘I’m leaving APC for good’

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that despite holding peace talks with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his decision to leave the party has not changed.

    He told members of OnTiv Professionals Association in Abuja that he would not return to the party for any reason.

    Ortom spoke a few hours after emerging from a peace meeting with the APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole where he said he had not dumped the party and had expressed hope of a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the party.

    But receiving his guests at the in Benue State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, the governor said: “I can assure you and the good people of Benue that there is no going back on my decision to exit from the APC.”

    He added, “at the appropriate time in the next few weeks, I would make my next move public.”

    And responding on Friday to claims by the state branch of the APC that it was the governor that gave himself a red card after it raised issues of governance with him, Ortom branded the party a one-man show in Benue.

    His Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Terver Akase challenged the APC to “bring out facts to back their claim that they had faulted the performance of the Governor.”

    He said: “During the State Congress of the party at Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, it adopted the Governor as its consensus candidate. Again, the party publicly said its decision was based on the sterling stewardship of Governor Ortom within the last three years. But being the true democrat that he is, the Governor decided that other aspirants be also allowed to vie for the governorship seat to deepen internal democracy in the party.

    “While Governor Ortom appreciates the platform which APC gave him to offer service to the people of Benue State, it is regrettable that the same party has now turned to demonize him for obvious selfish reasons.

    “Governor Ortom has encouraged regular caucus and other stakeholders’ meetings at which he constantly gives briefings about the security and financial challenges in the state. He also gets feedback and input at such meetings.

    “His successful conduct of the local government elections which APC candidates overwhelmingly won chairmanship and councillorship positions throughout the state is proof of the popularity of his administration.

    “At no time did Governor Ortom ever mention that the APC in Benue State gave him a red card. He stated categorically that it was the leader of the party who said at several fora that he had given him red card and the Governor made efforts to resolve the matter within the structure of the party at the state level before going public.

    “That APC in the state has issued the statement as if it is the leader of the party or as if they are one and the same, underscores Governor Ortom’s concern that the party structure in the state is out to satisfy the whims and caprices of one individual.

    “It is now clear that APC in Benue State has opted to mortgage the interest of the people of the state. The party’s unprovoked attack on Governor Ortom points to where its interest lies.

    “More ridiculous is the fact that APC has become a one man show in Benue State. It should be on record that the attacks on Governor are coming now because he couldn’t meet some inordinate personal ambitions and interests of those who want to perpetually shortchange the people.

    “The media attack on Governor Ortom by the state chapter of APC is the beginning of the smear campaign about which we alerted Benue people and other Nigerians. More of such disparaging statements should be expected in the days to come.

    “However, no amount of intimidation or personal attacks can make the Governor to abandon the people of Benue State. He has chosen to stand with the people and won’t be distracted now or in the future.”

    Recall that Oshiomhole on Thursday had said Ortom “is not going anywhere” and called him “a very, very prominent member of our party.”

  • 2019: Ortom not going anywhere – Oshiomhole

    Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, is not leaving the ruling party.

    Describing Ortom as a man of honour, Oshiomhole said the Benue governor who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over three years ago cannot return there now.

    On Monday, Ortom had said he was considering joining a new party since he had been given a “red card” in the APC.

    But Oshiomole said the APC does not have a red card, therefore it can not give what it does not have.

    Oshiomhole spoke after meeting with Ortom at the APC secretariat on Thursday.

    “For PDP hovering round they must know that only people without honour will vomit in the morning and in the afternoon, they convert it to lunch. People like Ortom who have honour cannot leave PDP three and half years ago, with his eyes open, and then there is some tension in his master bedroom, he is thinking of returning to People Deceiving People? I mean that cannot be an option,” he said.

    “He is a man of honour. He knows that once you make one step forward, you take the second step to consolidate the first step and that is the way to go.”

    He said the issue between Ortom and George Akume, a former governor, would be resolved and there would be peace in the Benue chapter of the party.

    “Senator Akume is a respected leader of the party. He is former governor and a current senator. He will recognise the need for peace and we have what it takes to make peace,” he said.

    “In Benue, we are going for win-win solution. Governor Ortom is not going anywhere. He is a very prominent member of our party and we appreciate his leadership in Benue. We will do everything possible to help those who have issues to resolve the issues. The only thing we will not accept is anybody leaving the house we have toiled to build together.

    “APC does not even have red card, so we can’t give what we don’t have. We recognise that there could be a legitimate legal issue like agreement, disagreement and contest. All these we are familiar with, they are evidence that we are a democratic party. When leaders have disagreement, it is to help them and find a common ground and issues in Benue are not so fundamental that cannot be resolved. We are very confident that we will resolve them.”

    Ortom was among the three APC governors who met with PDP leaders in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, on Wednesday.

    Also in attendance was Senate President Bukola Saraki. The politicians met during the burial of the mother of Kawu Baraje, leader of the nPDP,a faction of the APC.

  • Defection threats: Gov Ortom shuns peace meeting with APC

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday failed to attend a peace parley called by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Deputy National Chairman (North) of APC, Sen. Lawal Shu’aibu had invited Sen George Akume and Ortom to Abuja for the “urgent meeting”.

    The duo are the main actors in the tussle for leadership of the Benue chapter of the APC.

    Only Akume was at the meeting which lasted for about two hours. Ortom was said to have stayed back in Makurdi.

    At the end of the meeting, Shuaibu walked with Akume to the latter’s car. The former Governor was silent on what had been discussed.

    Speaking, Shuaibu who was mandated by the party to deal with the situation, said the party was eager to ensure reconciliation.

    The peace meeting followed Ortom’s announcement that he was no longer with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ortom made the declaration at the banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital on Monday.

    He spoke while swearing in the newly appointed Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe.

  • BREAKING: ‘Ortom dumps APC, explains why…’

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state says he has ceased to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what he called “a red card” given to him.

    Ortom made this known on Monday in Makurdi shortly after swearing in a new Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Jerome Shimbe who replaced Mr Titus Zam, sacked on July 8.

    According to him, the red card from APC would enable him to join any political party that has an ideology worthy of being adopted by his administration. The governor stated that the strained relationship between him and the party under which he contested the 2015 governorship election in the state has left him without a party.

    The governor partially dissolved his cabinet last week, retaining four out of the 16 commissioners and seven out of 19 Special Advisers.

    Although, he gave no reason for the sacking of the members of the expanded cabinet members, it was reliably gathered that the sudden cabinet reshuffle might not be unconnected with the friction between him and the APC leader in the state, Sen. George Akume. Ortom also said that the appointment of Shimbe was based on his impeccable character and proven track record of service.

    He advised the new adviser to strive to justify the confidence reposed in him and open his doors to all indigenes seeking for assistance from him regardless of their political affiliation.

    Responding, Shimbe thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment while pledging to ensure that the governor succeeds in all his endeavours.

  • Gov Ortom dissolves cabinet

    Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has approved a partial dissolution of the State Executive Council.

    A Statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Anthony Ijohor, (SAN), says four Commissioners and seven Special Advisers are to, however, retain their portfolios.

    The four Commissioners are, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Dennis Ityavyar, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olofu, and that of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge.

    According to the statement, the Special Advisers who have retained their portfolios are those of Development Cooperation, SDGs and NEPAD, Dr Magdalyne Dura, Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Matthew Mnyam, Special Adviser on Gender, Employment and Labour Matters, Chief Ode Enyi, Special Adviser on Government House Administration, Mr. Thomas Anajav, Special Adviser on Media, Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, Special Adviser on Security, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hemba, retired, and Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Joseph Odaudu.

    The Statement says the partial dissolution of the Exco takes immediate effect and that the outgoing members of Council are to handover to their Permanent Secretaries or most senior directors as the case may be.

    The SSG quoted the Governor as expressing profound appreciation to outgoing members of the Benue State Executive Council for their service to the State and wishing them well in their future endeavours.

  • Sultan blasts Ortom, Fani-Kayode for linking herdsmen killings to Danfodio

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam on Tuesday knocked Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and a former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, for linking the herdsmen killings across Benue, Taraba and other parts of the North, to the continuation of the late Usman Danfodio’s jihad.

    The Sultan is the President General of the JNI with its headquarters in Kaduna.

    The group warned the governor and his cohorts, not to take Nigerian Muslims for granted by denigrating the Muslim community.

    This was just as the JNI urged Nigerian Muslims to intensify prayers for peace as the 2019 general elections approach.

    The JNI added that the need for Muslims to pray for hitch-free polls became imperative as politicians continued to foment crisis in the land.

    He called on “Muslims to intensify prayers for peace to return to the nation and for a hitch-free 2019 general election as politicians are busy trying to cause crises with their unguarded utterances.”

    Saying that the group would not have reacted to the governor’s vituperation, but for the fact that it maligned the name of the revered Usman Danfodio.

    The JNI through its Secretary-General, Dr. Abubakar Khalid Aliyu, stated this in Kaduna on Tuesday.

    The group said, “This is a reaction to a recent interview granted by HE Samuel Ortom, Governor of Benue State to an online TV programme, The Osasu Show, in Makurdi, the state capital, and has been carried widely by both the print and electronic media, to the effect that the ongoing herders-farmers clashes in his state are a continuation of the Jihad of our revered Shehu Usman Danfodio.

    “For the records, the governor is not alone in throwing these tantrums, Femi Fani Kayode, one-time Minister of Aviation during the reign of President Obasanjo has always said lots of unprintable things against Shehu Danfodio. This rejoinder is premised on the fact that Islam does not encourage its adherents to castigate other people of faith or fabricate lies against them but encourages that once the Ummah (Society) of Islam is frequently maligned, then it is incumbent on the society to defend itself, hence the need for this write-up.

    “The Benue governor got it wrong, most likely because of his malicious intent to smear the revered personality of Shehu Danfodio who had said in a widely-quoted statement that: “Truth is an open wound, only justice can heal it.”

    “It should be noted that the Benue State Government and the Tiv Traditional Council have overtime been yelling that the Fulani crisis at their end is a continuation of Danfodiyo’s jihad. A case in point was the 17th March, 2014 press statement with Reference Number TTC/P1/2 signed by Ber Godwin, Press Secretary to the Tor Tiv and the Tiv Area Traditional Council.

    “We, therefore, call on all, particularly the Benue State Government and its cohorts not to take for granted the leadership of Nigerian Muslims over these unfortunate crises in the name of herders-farmers’ clashes, particularly at this very critical time when the security challenges in the country are so many. More so, it is Ramadan period, a time we Muslims are enjoined to be cautious and calm in our affairs.”