Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday declared that he is working for the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, as the next president of Nigeria.
The Governor was a guest at the conference that brought stakeholders from the 276 Council Wards of the state where he stated that his decision was premised on his conviction that Mr. Obi was mentally and physically prepared for the task of getting the country working again.
The Governor received a standing ovation from the attendees who went wild singing his name and the name of the LP presidential candidate when he made the open statement.
Ortom stated that “We must, in this 2023, fashion a new Nigeria, Nigeria that will give the people equity, fairness, and justice.
“The PDP has failed Nigerians, APC has failed Nigerians, political parties have failed Nigerians, even Labour Party has failed Nigerians. We must therefore look at individuals, those people who can deliver.
He stated that the time had come for Nigerians to jettison political affiliation and loyalty and choose a God-fearing, capable and competent hand who would rescue the country from its present sorry state.
He said, “we have come to a time where we must leave out sentiments and save Nigeria by looking at individuals who can lead with the fear of God and provide gainful employment for the youths.
“So, this is not about party, I am not in Labour Party but I am working for Peter Obi. Peter Obi will make sure that we sleep with our two eyes closed. These unnecessary killings that are going on in our country will stop.
“I have chosen to support him. I appreciate you all for choosing Peter Obi. Of the three presidential candidates, Peter Obi has the character, competence to lead Nigeria.”
Mr. Obi, who was supposed to attend the meeting in person but was unable to do so because of adverse weather that caused him to cancel his travel, spoke to the group remotely in the meantime.
The presidential contender commended the people of Benue, in particular Governor Ortom, for their support in ensuring that their efforts will not go in vain.
Mr. Obi stated that he would make every effort to travel to Benue before the polls but added that he would make sure that the state did not remain the same once he took power.
