The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has given a response after the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom decided not to support his ambition.
In deciding not to support Atiku, Ortom had said part of the reasons that informed his decision is the attacks on the people of his state by some Fulani herdsmen.
He, therefore, said he can’t support Atiku while the herdsmen continue to attack his state adding that he would rather die than become a slave to a Fulani man.
Ortom said, “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 a 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.”
Replying the statement, Atiku through the spokesperson of his presidential campaign team, Dino Melaye said on Tuesday that while Ortom is free to give his support to any candidate of his choice, the PDP candidate can’t be blamed for happenings in Benue State.
Speaking during an interview appearance on Arise TV, Melaye said: “Ortom is entitled by right to support whichever candidate he wants; it’s not proper to place the blame of what is happening in Benue on Atiku; it is not fair. During the Shagari administration, he appointed four Benue indigenes as ministers, also the late Yar’Adua appointed a Benue indigene as AGF. These two presidents are Fulani by ethnicity, yet they appointed Benue citizens.”
Melaye stressed that Benue is the second home of Atiku and in February this year alone, he donated N50m to the Internally Displaced Persons there.
“It’s uncivil to blame Fulani activities on Atiku, this is not right and not proper.”
“In February this year, Atiku donated N50 million to IDPs; he shows love to the people of the state. Benue is a second home to Atiku,” the former Senator said.
This article was originally published on Naija News
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