Governor Samuel Ortom urges supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other residents of Makurdi to remain calm despite the provocation by some youths of All Progressives Congress, APC who went on rampage today destroying billboards and posters belonging to PDP within the State capital.
He says Senator George Akume who propelled the youths to embark on the destruction of PDP campaign materials is only lamenting his defeat at last Saturday’s election by inciting youths to cause mayhem in Makurdi and other towns in the State.
Governor Ortom states that since 1999, George Akume has been winning elections but those he defeated never went on rampage in town to incite youths against him. They accepted defeat in good faith and those who were aggrieved took their cases to the election tribunal to seek redress.
He stresses that for Senator Akume to lose the last election and choose to embark on destruction of campaign billboards and posters of his opponents thereby causing traffic problems in town, is quite unfortunate and regrettable.
The Governor says as a leader, Akume is expected to be a good example to the young generation by toeing the path of peace in the interest of the State.
He advises Senator Akume and anyone else who wants to destabilize the Benue State to respect the rule of law and approach the courts if they feel aggrieved over results of the elections.
The Governor commends the people for restraining themselves from retaliating.
Governor Ortom urges the people of Makurdi to go about their normal activities as security operatives will arrest anyone found to be fomenting trouble.
Responding to the above statement, legislative to senator George Akume, Vembeh Issac responded saying that George Akume did not authorize the tearing down of posters and billboards belonging to any politician in the state.
The APC Leader was out to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s grand victory in a motorcade, during which an overcoming number of his fans queued behind him in the celebration galore.
He strongly condemns the alleged destruction of posters and billboards by zealous unidentified persons describing such actions as primitive, barbaric and unnecessary in modern day democracy.
The former governor calls for peace and orderliness amongst party supporters urging his fans in particular not to be deterred by the injustice meted out to the party in the just concluded election.
He assures that the liberation of Benue is an all important project and all hands must be on deck to achieving it.
