Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The immediate past Governor of Benue State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, has called on party stakeholders to set aside their differences and unite to make the party stronger.
Chief Ortom made the call when a delegation of Sankera PDP stakeholders paid him a solidarity visit to express their loyalty and to appreciate his contributions to the party’s success in the Sankera axis, from ward to local government and state congresses.
He urged party members to intensify their membership drive and hold meetings with both existing and returning members.
The former governor emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, urging ward, local government, and state executive committee members not to discriminate against new or rejoining members who have set aside past differences. He called for equal treatment of party members at all levels, fostering unity and cohesion.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Zonal Chairman of the PDP for Zone A, Hon. Abraham Waroh, stated that the Sankera people decided to visit Chief Ortom to show appreciation for his leadership of the party, even after leaving office. He reaffirmed Sankera PDP’s unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of the former governor.
In separate remarks, Dr. James Anbua, Ambassador Chive Kaave, Aondoakura Orngu, and Victor Kpandegh expressed their firm support for Chief Ortom, describing Sankera as standing solidly behind him and highlighting his role as a beacon of minority politics in Nigeria.
Other speakers, including Hon. Tor Aye, Deacon Dan Abagu, Hon. Terver Kaki, Mrs Dorcas Iorver, and Adagi Igba, speaking on behalf of the youth, lauded Chief Ortom as a leader who champions fairness, justice, and equity. They called on Sankera people, known for their commitment to fair play, to rally behind the former governor.
Akura Orngu particularly remarked, “This is the first time fairness has taken centre stage in selecting EXCO members; it is evident that God is involved.”
Victor Kpandegh added, “Chief Ortom is a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, and it is best to support him.”
The visit culminated in a minute silence for victims of Fulani herdsmen’s attacks in Sankera and other parts of the state. Prayers were also offered for divine guidance for Chief Ortom to realize his aspirations, and he was decorated in traditional attire as a sign of respect and solidarity.
Members of Chief Ortom’s entourage included Hon. Barr. Michael Gusa, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Hon. Terver Akase, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; and Hon. Abrahams Kwaghngu, former Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties.