Allow Ayu to bear his cross – Benue youths warn those attacking Ortom

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Jemgbagh Concerned Youth Forum has urged the Jamgbeh Development Association to let PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu carry his cross and leave Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom alone.

The youth group pointed out that the Governor has stated on multiple occasions that he has nothing against Ayu.

According to them, Ortom believes it is a matter of integrity for the PDP Chair to take the honorable path and resign.

They insisted in a statement signed by Comrade Philip Hundu, President of the group, that it is Ayu’s moral obligation to resign, adding that the National Chairman made that commitment on his own to the party’s northern caucus that he will resign if a presidential candidate of northern extraction emerges at the convention.

They pointed out that Ayu should not have waited for anyone to remind him to step down immediately after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was announced as the party’s presidential candidate.

The youth association was responding to a press conference by the Abuja-based nondescript Jamgbeh Development Association, which insisted that Ayu is the architect of his current misfortune, adding that Chaif’s poor conduct and bias in the administration of the PDP, both before and after the national convention that produced Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate, have not lived up to expectations.

“It is common knowledge that Governor Ortom has effectively and efficiently represented the people of Benue, including Jamgbagh.” “I will continue to do so within the constraints of available resources, but we must remain men and women of honor and integrity at all times,” the statement said.

It is unfortunate, they say, that the Abuja-based Jemgbagh Development Association, JDA, which has never spoken out against Fulani killings in their local governments, has suddenly found their voice, speaking for the PDP’s embattled national chairman for clannish reasons.

“They’re holding a press conference, but they’re not addressing key issues that affect the general well-being of people in their area,” Ortom said.

“They did not call the press conference to draw the Federal Government’s and her agencies’ attention to the numerous security, infrastructure, and environmental challenges confronting Gboko, Buruku, and Tarka.” They have merely engaged in emotional blackmail and futile defense of Senator Ayu, the PDP’s morally weakened National Chairman.

“Unfortunately, JDA chose not to take an honorable stance on Ayu’s refusal to fulfill his own commitment.” That would have given them moral superiority. They squandered the opportunity. If you blindly support your kin, right or wrong, you should be denied the right to challenge outsiders who wrong your community. “You cannot be right only when it benefits your own self-interest,” the Governor stressed.

The group argued that the JDA should instead back Governor Samuel Ortom in his efforts to do what is best for Benue, the PDP, and Nigeria.

“Withdrawing support for Iyorchia Ayu is in the best interests of the party.” It is in the best interests of the people of Benue to assist the PDP in winning rather than losing. In case those playing the clannish card of Jemgbagh and their sponsors are unaware, the PDP will enter the 2023 election with a massive credibility deficit with Ayu as National Chairman.”

The group stated that the JDA should return home to feel the pulse of the people rather than remaining in Abuja to assume and pontificate on a subject they do not fully comprehend.

“Ayu must appeal to the party’s disgruntled leaders for understanding or resign, as he promised at the Bauchi State Lodge in Abuja, where the Northern Caucus met and endorsed him.” If he refuses, as he currently is, how can party members and Nigerians trust the party’s National Chairman on the drive to rescue and rebuild Nigeria if his word is not his bond?

“Let Jemgbagh Development Association and their sponsors know that Ayu’s democratic credentials are not being called into question here.” That is meaningless posturing. His resignation is motivated by principles of equity and justice. Ayu has done well for the country, and the country has done well for him. Now he has the opportunity to do the right thing by resigning and maintaining the respect of well-meaning Nigerians both within and outside of Benue.

“His intransigence is a massive embarrassment to Benue and PDP. It will cost the party dearly. JDA those who share their concerns should advise Ayu to sacrifice for the party.

“Instead of whipping up emotional and clannish blackmail that Governor Ortom is pulling down Jemgbagh sons and by extension, underdeveloping the area, it is on record that the Governor has been fair to all parties and every part of Benue State in politics, infrastructural development and political patronage. JDA must note that Senator George Akume was voted out by the majority of voters, including those from Gboko, Buruku except for Tarka;his local government of birth.

“Senator Orker Jev will not be running to the Senate again because it has been the established tradition that an outgoing governor goes to the Senate to give the state an effective representation. Senator Akume replaced Senator Fred Orti while former Governor Gabriel Suswam, now Senator, replaced Senator Gemade. Even though he lost the first time, he came back to reclaim the position.

“Under the Ortom Administration, Gboko, Buruku, and Tarka local government areas have enjoyed high-profile political and other appointments.

“These include Secretaryto the State Government, SSG, Commissioners for Health, Industries, and Rural Development; Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Chairman, Pension Commission, Chairman, Benue Investment Company (BIPC), Executive Secretary, EXAMS Board, Executive Secretary, Sports and Lottery Board, a Commissioner in the PENCOM, Special Advisers, Principal Special Assistants (the equivalent of Advisers), Chief Press Secretary, numerous Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants as well as members of boards and parastatals.

“They have also enjoyed their fair share of infrastructural development – including the reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello way, Gboko, completion of the 37km Wannune-Ikpah-Igbor road, construction of choice Gboko township roads in Gboko like, Shaahu road, Martin Dent Road, Aper Aku road among many other projects various sectors.”