PDP Crisis: Jemgbagh Youths Back Ortom Over Call For Ayu’s Resignation

The Jemgbagh Concerned Youth Forum, JCYF, a body of youths from Buruku, Gboko and Tarka Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State has condemned the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom over the several calls for the resignation of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, insisting that it would better serve the interest of the party if he stepped aside.
The JCYF was, in a statement, in Makurdi reacting to an earlier statement by the President Jemgbagh Development Association, JDA, Abuja Chapter, Mr Terver Abor who accused Governor Ortom of undermining the interest of the Jemgbagh bloc of the state by aligning with the Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 Governors to demand Dr Ayu’s resignation.
Mr. Abor had in the statement said among others that “we are disheartened that the Governor who wants to be Senator for Zone-B of Benue State comprising of Jemgbagh and MINDA will involve himself as usual in destroying a Jamgbagh son, Ayu.
“The philosophy which defines politics as a game of interest/number will definitely be a major factor in zone B come 2023 general election, which the Jemgbagh sons and daughters shall surely pay back.”
But exonerating Governor Ortom, the President of JCYF, Philip Hundu pointed out that Dr. Ayu had given his word on assumption of office to step aside if a presidential candidate of northern extraction emerged in the primary.
He said “let it be known to JDA and their sponsors that Ayu’s democratic antecedents are not being called to question here. That is an irrelevant posturing. His resignation is a matter of principle, equity, and justice. Dr. Ayu has served the country well, and the country has been good to him too. Now he has an opportunity to do what is right by resigning and continuing to enjoy the respect of well-meaning Nigerians, within and outside Benue.
“His intransigence can be termed an embarrassment to Benue and PDP. It will cost the party dearly. JDA and those who share their concerns should advise Dr. Ayu to sacrifice for the party.
“JDA, like Ayu, must look at the bigger picture. Ayu should resign now and help PDP reclaim power from the maladministration of the ruling APC than remain as National Chairman and we lose in 2023.
“Instead of whipping up emotional and clannish blackmail that Governor Ortom is pulling down Jemgbagh sons and by extension, under developing the area, it is on record that the Governor has been fair to all parties and every part of Benue State in politics, infrastructural development and political patronage.”