Sequel to losing his senatorial bid in the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has insisted that he is proud to associate himself with his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike.
NaijaNews reports that this is as the governor said he is not discouraged for standing for equity, justice and fairness.
It would be recalled that Ortom was part of the five aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Wike who advocated for a southern presidency and refused to support the party’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar.
Ortom, following his defeat in his senatorial ambition, has been blamed for associating with Wike and the G5 as some political opponents have mocked him and other members of the G5 who also lost elections in their state.
However, on Tuesday, Ortom said he was proud and had no regrets associating himself with the leader of the G5, Wike.
The governor while commissioning the Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area (LGA), of Rivers State said despite losing his senatorial seat, he is glad the presidency is gone to the south.
Ortom in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur said
“I am not defeated and I stand tall and I am proud of associating with Governor Nyesome Wike and many others who have chosen to stand by the truth and to ensure equity, fairness, and justice for this country.
“We have everything we need in Nigeria, what is lacking is equity, fairness, and justice and I am very proud that right from the beginning, I stood firm and said after eight years of Presidency in the North, another eight years should go to the South and I am happy that today this is where we are.”
Below is the full statement:
I’M NOT DETERRED FROM STANDING FOR EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE EVEN AFTER LOSING ELECTION- Ortom
“Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom says he is not deterred from advocating for equity, justice and fairness despite losing his senatorial bid in the February 25th Presidential and National elections.
“Governor Ortom spoke Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 while commissioning Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area, a project executed by his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Nyesom Wike.
“The Bible says you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. And until we get to that level of saying the truth, and standing by the truth, we cannot get anywhere. I could be a victim of fighting for justice, equity and fairness but that does not deter me and I am not standing here as a defeated person.
“I stand tall and I give glory to the Almighty God because the Bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord God will deliver him from all,” stressing that “all things worketh together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose.
“Governor Ortom further stated that I am not defeated and I stand tall and I am proud of associating with Governor Nyesome Wike and many others who have chosen to stand by the truth and to ensure equity, fairness, and justice for this country.
“He added: We have everything we need in Nigeria, what is lacking is equity, fairness, and justice and I am very proud that right from the beginning, I stood firm and said after eight years of Presidency in the North, another eight years should go to the South and I am happy that today this is where we are, Ortom stated.
“Governor Ortom lauded Wike for executing the school project stating that “What you have done, posterity will forever remember you and write your name in gold and on the footprints of time because these children will be leaders and if they are educated, they will do things better than being illiterates.
“He emphasized that I have always said show me the level of your education and I will tell you the level of your development. This is what you have done. At the tertiary levels, I have seen your handwork. At the secondary school level, we are seeing your handwork, and also at the primary level too, you have also demonstrated capacity and willingness to impart on the people of Rivers State.
“Governor Ortom also commended the people of Rivers State for standing with Wike and supporting him in all his aspirations, describing him as “a great Nigerian, a patriot, a man that believes in equity, fairness, and justice.
“He added that For me and my people, I am very proud of associating myself with you. Though I am older than you, I have learned so much from you, and may God bless you and bless the people of Rivers State.”
Nathaniel Ikyur
Chief Press Secretary
April 4th, 2023
