Ortom defects from APC

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state on Monday revealed that he has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

While he did not state categorically, which party he has decided to pitch his tent with, the governor who has been having a running battle with his party over the anti-grazing open Bill, noted he would make soon state which party he intends to join.

He made this known during the inauguration of a new Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Jerome Torshimbe in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to him, his party (APC) has given him a “red card” and he had no choice to move on.

He lamented that the APC was unhappy with him because he spoke out for his people against the incessant killings that had going on, in which hundreds have been hacked to death, and properties, including houses destroyed and burnt.

“That is the more reason why we all need to come together as a people and not allow political party or ethnicity divide us”, Ortom stated.

He continued “many people have been asking that after dedicating the state to God we are still facing challenges, but I know that the God that saw the Israelites pass through the wilderness, and took them to the promised land will also see us through our difficult times.

“I know one thing, all these challenges that we see today, we shall see them no more. All that we are required to do is not to begin to be wayward in our conduct but to move to the righteous side of God. Once we do that, things will work out for our good.

“Looking at what is happening to us, sometimes am tempted to think that we are dying like people who do not have God.

“But we must choose the path of working with God, obeying and serving him. If we do that and ensure that his values get into our hearts and we work with him, development will be inevitable. Let us work and encourage those things that can develop us.

“As for party, I have been given red card and I’m outside the pitch. So, if I have been given red card and I’m standing outside, I’m a free man.

“So I don’t know what will happen next but I’m waiting. If others approach me, then I will tell the Benue people that I’m joining another football club. I’m a child of destiny and it’s only God that will decide what I will be,” Governor Ortom added.