Some kinsmen of Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have threatened Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, to leave the former Senate President alone or ‘forget’ his senatorial ambition.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that last week, Ortom called on Ayu to resign or beg for pardon.
It was the first time Ortom had openly asked him to resign. Both men hail from Benue State.
A group of Governors led by Rivers’ Governor Nyesom Wike has been calling on the PDP National Chairman to resign for a southern to take over.
According to them, this is the only condition under which they will support the presidential flag-bearer of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during the Executive Council meeting in Government House Makurdi last weekend, Ortom recalled that Ayu promised to resign if a northern candidate emerges as the presidential candidate of the party, urging him to honour his words.
But Ayu’s kinsmen, under the aegis of Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja chapter, have threatened political consequences against Ortom should he continue aligning with those seeking to force Ayu to resign.
The veiled threat was contained in a statement on Monday by the President of the association, Terver Felix Abor.
Abor accused Governor Ortom of pursuing a deliberate attempt to undermine the people of Jemgbagh, including Ayu; the Minister of Special Duties, George Akume; and the lawmaker representing Benue North Senatorial District, Emmanuel Orker-Jev.
“We are disheartened that the governor who wants to be senator for Zone B of Benue State, comprising Jemgbagh and MINDA will involve himself as usual in destroying a Jamgbagh son, Ayu.
“The philosophy which defines politics as a game of interest/ number will definitely be a major factor in zone B come 2023 general election, which Jemgbagh sons and daughters shall surely pay back.
“What will become of Jemgbagh people today if Ayu, the PDP national chairman who is also a prominent son, is pushed to resign from office? Ortom’s rightful answer to the question will give him a much more enabling experience among Jamgbagh people,” Abor said.
