Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom had lampooned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his inability to go and reconcile with Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State who he said on a live Television that he (Wike) was instrumental in his return to PDP as such he is his mentor.
Ortom equally disclosed that he is in a “hibernation” mood and not sure about working for the PDP candidate until the Holy Spirit direct him otherwise. This is seen as a very dangerous step in his quest to get back at Atiku who is a traditional title holder in Tiv land.
In the latest twist of events, Governor Ortom is alleged to be muscled out of his cabinet people who are working for the PDP presidential candidate and also who have a close affinity with the National Chairman of the party Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
Our source gathered that, in an alleged meeting held by Governor Ortom and the PDP secretary Joseph Nyam in Government House Makurdi, the governor was informed to have reeled out names of his appointees to be sacked who are believed to be working for Atiku. Our source further gathered that the resignation of the Special Adviser to the governor on legislative matters Honorable Stephen Tyochir, a former assembly member may also be connected to Governor Ortom’s stand to fight back at Atiku’s men.
Governor Ortom in recent months has witnessed defections from his close allies and government functionaries from PDP to other political parties due to his autocratic tendencies in decisions making and what they termed his abysmal performance.
Governor Ortom is seen to be on a collision mission against the National Working Committee of the party and the presidential flag bearer of the party. Unconfirmed feelers around the seat of power in Benue said Governor Ortom is looking at the possibility of joining either NNPP or LP in case the holy spirit directs him not to work for Atiku.
Some of Ortom’s close aides who begged for anonymity alleged that the governor has vowed to frustrate the Atiku campaign in Benue and ensure he loses at the poll irrespective of the party to which he belongs.