The immediate past governor of Benue, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will overcome its challenges and urged supporters to remain steadfast with the party.
He gave the charge on Sunday when his former aides paid him a solidarity visit at his Makurdi residence.
The former governor said the party would not die, saying that its leaders were doing everything possible to strengthen the party at all levels.
He stated that the party was moving from strength to strength, adding that its national executive committee would hold on Monday for more deliberations.
“The Ibadan convention was a scam. It will not work. I have never seen anywhere in the world where a Federal High Court gives judgement and a State High Court will give a restraining order against the judgement.
“Legitimately, we are the only people recognised by INEC to forward names of candidates for elections and other things. But we are going to bring every lover of PDP together to join us, reconcile our differences and see how the party can move forward.
“We are going to have our NEC meeting tomorrow (Monday), and I believe that the issue of the 14 states that didn’t conduct congresses will be discussed. We must conduct the remaining state congresses, after which we will conduct a proper convention,” he said.
Ortom stated that the strategic partnership between him and the leader of Benue politics, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was simply to bring peace and harmony to the state.
The former governor appealed to traditional rulers in the state to stay away from politics and stop endorsing candidates for elections.
He further commended his former aides for the visit and urged them to remain steadfast and advised that those willing to seek elective positions do so openly.
Speaking for the former aides, Adzer Abya said Chief Ortom strengthened the traditional institutions in the state by building beneficial palaces for the Tiv and O’che Idoma, respectively.
“We are particularly proud of your bold and principled stance on security. Your administration’s enactment and enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017 was a defining moment in the history of Benue State.
“In taking that decision, you placed the safety, dignity, and survival of our people above personal and political comfort, even in the face of immense pressure and opposition from Abuja,” he said.
They reaffirmed their unflinching support for the former governor and reassured him of their sustained loyalty and support as he continues to take political decisions and face future challenges.
(NAN)
