Ortom to Atiku: To hell with you, I’ll never support Fulani man as president

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says he will never support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.

Ortom was speaking when he hosted Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to a dinner in Makurdi on Sunday.

The four governors were in Makurdi for the flag-off of the governorship and parliamentary campaign on Monday.

Ortom said anyone who supports Atiku was an enemy of Benue State and supports the killing of Benue people.

“To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him. They should go and tell him. You want me to be slave for a Fulani. It’s better I die. Anybody supporting Atiku is an enemy of Benue.

“My people are being killed and you want me to be quiet.

“My tenure ends in May and you can do whatever you want if you think you have the powers. I have written my will. When I gave it to my wife, she cried all night. If I die at 62, many of my mates have gone long time ago and If I die today, I’m a fulfilled person but let it be recorded that I died resisting the invasion and killing of my people.

“I will never support a Fulani man to become president. If there is another person who is ready to work with me and ensure the security of my people, I will work with him,” Ortom said.

The five PDP governors have continued to request for the resignation of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, insisting both the national chairman and the presidential candidate cannot come from the North.

Speaking on behalf of the G-5 governors, Wike, said they were out to save the country from the present condition of total collapse.

“The G-5 are the integrity governors and anyone can challenge us. We have come to give Governor Samuel Ortom solidarity support for the flag-off of campaigns in Benue and to tell Benue people that we are with Governor Ortom. Like us or hate us, we are with Ortom. You cannot break us. We are bonded together.

“Leadership is risk-taking. Whether you like him or not, Ortom has shown leadership,” he said.

He called on Benue people to support him all the way.