PDP: Why I Cannot Abandon Wike For Atiku — Governor Ortom

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that he cannot abandon his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike for Atiku Abubakar because the former is a trusted and dependable ally.

Ortom made this known at a banquet in honour of Wike, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Makurdi.

According to him, when he was attacked by bandits, Wike was the first person who condemned it while emphasising that if they killed him, they would have killed Nigeria.

Ortom added that Wike did not stay quiet and when he spoke, he did so without fear.

“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.

“He did not stop at that. He convinced Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom to also assist the state and he donated N200 million to us", he said.

Speaking further, Governor Ortom disclosed that Wike made a donation of N200 million to two markets in the state when they were burnt.

“Is he not a worthy friend? He is a worthy friend and we are working together to liberate the country", he added.

Ortom said that he would not support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar as any enemy of Wike is his enemy too.

“I am not going to support any Fulani man to continue to do injustice to my people unless my people tell me to do otherwise."