Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has responded to statements made by Phrank Shaibu, an aide to 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who described him as the worst governor in Nigeria’s history. Ortom, through his aide Terver Akase, questioned the credibility of the statement and highlighted the rejection of Atiku’s candidacy by key stakeholders and members of his own party.
Ortom emphasized that the rejection of Atiku’s candidacy by the G-5 Governors and the Integrity Group was based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness, as they believed the 2023 presidency should go to the southern part of the country. He suggested that Atiku should reflect on why his candidacy was not supported and acknowledged the decision of Nigerians to vote for a presidential candidate from the south.
The former governor also attributed Atiku’s criticism of him to his boldness in speaking truth to the former vice president, particularly regarding the issue of Fulani herdsmen killings in Benue State. Ortom enacted a law to prohibit open grazing, which drew criticism from Atiku, who has expressed bitterness towards him.
Ortom further argued that Atiku lacks the moral standing to accuse others of corruption, citing statements by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Atiku as a corrupt individual in his book, “My Watch.” The former governor highlighted the cooperation he showed when invited by the EFCC for clarifications on his administration’s actions, contrasting it with Atiku’s alleged involvement in corruption investigations.
Ortom urged Nigerians to disregard Atiku’s allegations, considering them unfounded and a form of cheap blackmail.
