Monday, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), urged Governor Samuel Ortom of his home state of Benue to join the campaign of the party’s presidential nominee, Atiku Abubakar.
Ortom, the state’s deputy governor, Benson Abounu, commissioners, aides, and 22 local government chairmen were absent from Atiku’s campaign event in the state capital of Makurdi on Monday.
Benue is governed by the PDP, and Ayu is a native of the state.
Former governor of the state Senator Gabriel Suswam, former Senate president David Mark, and the three senators representing Zones A, B, and C, Suswam, Orker Jev, and Abba Moro, are leading the campaign rally for Atiku in the state.
In addition, the party’s candidate for governor and his deputy, Titus Uba and John Ngbede, as well as members of the state working committee, attended the gathering.
Ayu, speaking at the rally, urged Ortom, who had not showed support for Atiku, to join the party in order to save the nation.
Two days ago, Ayu visited with one of the G-5 governors, the governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, and asked him to collaborate with them.
According to the PDP chairman, the party is not divided.
Ayu stated, “We have some disgruntled members, but we are pleading with Governor Ortom to rejoin us in our efforts to save the country. Governor Ortom is without options. We have already handled our dispute with Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Two days ago, I met with him and he agreed to contribute to the success of our celebration.”
While addressing the massive throng during the rally, Atiku pledged to resolve the conflict between the state’s citizens and Fulani herders if he is elected president.
He stated, “I am the worldwide representative of the Tiv people. If elected, I would ensure that peace returns to Benue State. I will travel to the state and see that Fulani sign a peace agreement with the state’s citizens.”
Additionally, Atiku pledged that the $10 million promised in his plan will be invested in the economy to create jobs for the youth.
In addition, he guaranteed the residents of Benue State that he would repair the federal roads that travel through the state, reopen the railway line that ran through the state, and ensure that the Academic Staff Union of Universities would no longer go on strike.
