The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has defended his decision to meet with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi and others.
Ortom who justified the reason for the meeting, explained that he is open-minded about receiving any presidential candidate regardless of party affiliation, adding that the most important thing is how to make Nigeria better.
The Benue Governor stated that as a politician, he can’t say no to such meetings when the requests come as every hand must be on deck to salvage Nigeria.
He added that he has done nothing wrong by being part of the meeting.
Newsmen report Governor Ortom made his views known on Tuesday while answering questions from journalists shortly after returning from Port Harcourt.
In his words, “At the end, the solution to the challenges of Nigeria is what matters. Where we are today calls for all hands to be on deck.”
“I am free to receive any candidate who comes visiting or seeking audience with me. I cannot say no when such request comes.”
I Have Applied For AK-47 License For Farmers
Speaking further, Ortom disclosed that he has applied for Ak-47 license to be granted to farmers in his state as a way of securing them.
He urged the farmers to engage in group farming so that when a set is working, the other set can be on guard for protection from their killers.
According to the Governor, self-defence has become more important to secure the lives and property of Benue people.
He said: “We will continue to fight for our right. We will not rest.
“Let me advise our people to embrace group farming because, while some of them will be cropping, others should watch.
“The recent launch of the volunteer guards was meant to protect the state and not to intimidate anyone. Criminals should know that the security architecture of the state will catch up with them.
“Self-defence is the first law of nature. We must defend ourselves. I have made application to the FG for licence to own AK47. We have decided to take our destinies in our hand to want peace. We want to remain the food basket of the nation.
“We shall fight to survive. We are ready to spill the last pint of our blood to protect our lands.”
Ortom Blasts Federal Government On Insecurity
The Benue State Governor berated the efforts of the federal government at fighting insecurity in the land, accusing it of pursuing an agenda of ethnic cleansing.
He however stated that Benue people will not be intimidated but will fight to protect themselves from harm.
“The FG has demonstrated that they lack capacity to safeguard the country.
“Every Benue son and daughter should fight for the soul of the state. No one can come from anywhere to protect you. There is an agenda for ethnic cleansing and domination,” he added.
