Nigerian Concord Newspaper
A former House of Representatives member, Terngu Tsegba has faced intensed heat for speaking against the Benue State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party and its candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Eunice Ortom.
Speaking in a press statement to condemn Tsegba’s media outburst against Mrs Ortom, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Bright Yima
said that the party felt disappointment over the reckless and unwarranted attacks by Tsegba.
The statement reads:
Ordinarily, Hon. Tsegba should be the last person to throw stones at the PDP. If political decency and gratitude still have any place in public life, he ought to be acknowledging the platform that transformed him from political obscurity to national prominence.
For 12 uninterrupted years, the PDP entrusted Tsegba with the mandate of the people. The party stood firmly behind him through elections, political challenges and legislative contests. It elevated him to the position of Speaker Pro Tempore and gave him opportunities that many party faithful could only dream of. Every political title he proudly carries today was made possible by the PDP and the sacrifices of its loyal members.
It is therefore astonishing that a man who benefited so extensively from the goodwill of the PDP now seeks relevance by attacking the same party and its candidate. Such conduct reflects a disturbing case of political amnesia and opportunism.
The irony of Hon. Tsegba’s current posture becomes even more glaring when one recalls the pivotal role played by former Governor Samuel Ortom in advancing the political fortunes of leaders within the PDP at both the state and national levels. It is a matter of public knowledge that Chief Ortom deployed considerable political capital, influence and organizational support in rallying stakeholders across the country behind the emergence of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the PDP. At a critical moment in the party’s history, Ortom stood firmly in defence of the zoning arrangement and mobilized support that contributed significantly to Senator Ayu’s emergence. It is therefore disappointing that individuals who benefited directly or indirectly from such political goodwill now seek to vilify the same political family and leadership that worked tirelessly to strengthen both the party and its members.
Rather than dissipating energy on personal attacks, Hon. Tsegba should be prepared to answer legitimate questions from the people of Benue North-West. After 16 years in the House of Representatives, what enduring legacy did he leave behind? What transformative projects can he point to? How did the lives of ordinary constituents improve under his stewardship? These are the questions the electorate deserves answers to, not distractions and needless attacks against others.
The people of Benue are wiser today. They know the difference between genuine leadership and political grandstanding. They know the difference between those who seek public office to serve and those who suddenly discover principles only after leaving the platform that nurtured them.
It is particularly unfortunate that Hon. Tsegba has chosen to attack Chief Dr. Eunice Ortom, a woman whose candidacy is inspiring thousands across the zone and whose commitment to the welfare of the people is already evident. The politics of intimidation, bitterness and personal attacks belongs to the bygone era of the likes of Tsegba. The people are interested in ideas, vision, competence and capacity, not bitterness from those who have nothing to offer the people.
The PDP wishes to remind Hon. Tsegba that no amount of political revisionism can erase history. The records are there for all to see. The PDP made enormous investments in his political career and stood by him when it mattered most. Attempts to rewrite that history will fail because the people know the truth.
We urge our members and supporters to remain calm, focused and law-abiding. The PDP will not be distracted by desperate attacks from individuals who appear more interested in headlines than in addressing their own records in public office.
The 2027 elections will not be won through insults, propaganda or political tantrums. They will be won on the strength of ideas, records, credibility and the confidence of the people.