Ortom: Why G-5 Governors Can’t Join Atiku Campaign

Governors in the G-5 group cannot join the campaign of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar because the leadership of the PDP has made reconciliation impossible.

Benue Governor Samuel Ortom who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday accused the PDP leadership of arrogance, impunity and mischief in the handling of the rift between Atiku and the G-5.

The Governors have demanded the replacement of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu with another person from the South as condition to support Atiku.

Ortom, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja, said: “So, no efforts by the leadership of our party have been able to address the issues that we are raising. They have not been able to adopt methods that will pacify and placate the G5, you know. This is not right. So, on the G5, that is where we are.

“Arrogance, impunity, mischief, will not really help matters. One would expect humility; it is said that you stoop down to conquer even if you want to make it.”

The Benue Governor expressed disappointment with some PDP leaders in the South who chickened out on the demand for power shift to the South.

“I must say that I am disappointed with some of our PDP southern governors who chickened out, who sold out and chose to do something else.

“In the APC, all the governors in the North allowed for power shift even when they have a majority. I must commend them for fighting for equity, fairness and justice, because they considered that the presidency should go to the south.

“We (G-5) are committed to issues of integrity, issues of fairness, equity, and justice,” Ortom added.

The Governor said the G-5 remained on course and will not back down on its demands, stressing that they have given the PDP leadership ample time to address the issues at stake.

Continuing, the Benue Governor said: “I think we are on course as far as I am concerned with our group. As faithful party men, we have given enough time. And we are told that the failed leadership at the national level will take advantage of the opportunity we have given them to address those issues.

“There are many ways of addressing issues even when you are not able to meet the demands of a group or individuals, you will find a way of meeting.

“And then you find a meeting place where people decide to be arrogant, where they decide to be mischievous, and do things as if the other person does not exist and try to do some things with impunity, as if they have won election and they don’t need any other person. It becomes a problem.”

Source :- The Nation