2023 National Assembly election : Ortom withdraws case against Zam , INEC, APC, from tribunal
… Says the decision is for peace to reign
Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Benue North West Sanetorial District in the recent National assembly elections has taken a decision to withdraw a case that he instituted against his opponent Hon. Titus Zam, the Senator-elect for Benue North West on the platform of APC, INEC and APC.
Ortom also explained that the decision to withdraw his case from court is in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of his party, PDP.
The governor made the disclosure while addressing journalists shortly after a long close door meeting with his Senatorial campaign structure and PDP stakeholders in zone’ B’ at governnment house, Makurdi.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude to God that I address you today following the recently concluded elections. You are all aware that the National Assembly elections were conducted on the 25th of February, 2023 and results were declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“As a key political player in Benue State whose career has spanned over 40 years, the grace of God has taken me to key positions at the local, state and national levels within which period I rose to become a local government chairman, state secretary, state deputy chairman and national auditor of PDP, minister of the Federal Republic and now I am a two-term governor. I will forever remain grateful to Almighty God and the people of Benue State. God’s mercy and blessings have indeed enabled me to attain these heights”. Ortom stated.
He commended the resilience of Benue people who went out to vote during the elections despite the glaring provocation and intimidation by the federal might and particularly thanked PDP in the state for its support.
According to him, it has been an honour to serve the people of Benue State as governor which he had executed being a mandate given to him by God Almighty through Benue people and will always be available and ready to carry out God’s mandate as He directs.
He further explained that in the course of serving the state, he has always ensured equity, fairness, justice and the rule of law.
“Though there was glaring evidence of malpractices including non-transmission of results electronically during the conduct of the Benue North West Senatorial election, I have taken the decision to withdraw my case from the tribunal. As the Bible says in John 3:27 “A man can receive nothing, except it is given to him from heaven”.
“Let me add that the decision to withdraw my case from the court is in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of our party, PDP.
“As a leader of PDP in Benue State, I will continue to support the party in collaboration with other leaders to enable it to bounce back from the mistakes and drawbacks that are affecting it at the moment,” Ortom pledged.
He reassured the people of Benue State that as a governor, he would continue to provide selfless service in all sectors of development till the end of his tenure on May 29, 2023.
“For those I might have offended in this journey of serving the state and our country, I seek their forgiveness, as I also forgive those who have offended me,” Ortom pleaded.
