Benue State Governor,Samuel Ortom has described Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as a worthy friend who has always shown support for Benue State.
He recalled that in the heat of what he called Fulani incursions into the state, Wike was not only the first to condemn the act but donated generously to mitigate the impact of the humanitarian crisis on the state, saying he is working with the Rivers Governor to liberate Nigeria.
Ortom made this known on Sunday when he hosted four Governors – Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu in Makurdi, Benue state capital.
“When Benue was under siege, he donated N250 million and he subsequently spent over N700 million to support the state to tackle the humanitarian crisis occasioned by the unwarranted attacks,” Ortom said.
“He did not stop at that. He convinced Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom to also assist the state and he donated N200 million to us.”
“Is he not a worthy friend? He is a worthy friend and we are working together to liberate the country.
“Many have wondered why I have chosen to swim with Wike. Many have wondered why I have chosen to work with him in darkness and in the midst of storms and threats and also trial and brimstone.
“This is a man who stood with us during our trying times and came out, did not fear about threats of the federal government or federal might, but came out and say look, if you kill Ortom, you have killed Nigeria.
“They call it farmers/herders fight. We say it’s all lies, Fulani is coming to invade us. Wike came out, brought stakeholders from Rivers state and they came here. Wike offered us solidarity and in faith with the Benue people and give his commitment.”
The four governors and Ortom are the G- 5 governors demanding the sack of Dr Iyorcha Ayu, Ortom ‘s kinsman and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP on the grounds that he is from the same region as the presidential candidate, Atiku.
Consistent and defiant in their fight premised on the order of fairness and justice in the party, the five governors are pushing the PDP and its presidential candidate to a brick wall as the 2023 election builds up.
The five governors have boycotted the Atiku presidential campaign council and reportedly pitching tent with other frontlne presidential candidates .
