Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has withdrawn his Senatorial Case against the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC Candidate in the Senatorial election, Dr. Titus Zam.
Governor Ortom announced the decision at the Government House in Makurdi after a crucial meeting with critical stakeholders of the Benue North West Senatorial District.
Ortom had approached the Tribunal seeking the nullification of the Senatorial election, alleging massive rigging and other forms of irregularities.
However, addressing Journalists after a meeting with stakeholders, Mr. Ortom emphasized that the decision to withdraw the case from the court was in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).
“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”.
“As a leader of PDP, 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.
“I must commend the resilience of Benue people who went out to vote during the elections despite the glaring provocation and intimidation by the Federal might. I particularly thank the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state for its support”. Ortom said.
“Let me reassure the people of Benue State that as Governor, I will continue to provide selfless service in all sectors of development till the end of my tenure on May 29, 2023”. The Governor pledged.
Governor Ortom also appealed for forgiveness from those he might have offended in his journey of serving the state and country and promised to forgive those who have wronged him.
The Governor said, he utilized the mandate given to him by Benue people judiciously by ensuring that equity, fairness, justice and the rule of law prevailed.
“It has been an honour to serve the people of Benue State as Governor. Within this period, I have executed the mandate given to me by God almighty through Benue people and I will always be available and ready to carry out God’s mandate as He directs me”. He concluded.
Olusola Akintonde
