Ortom has done well, we’re proud of him – Middle Belt Forum fires back at presidency

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has expressed delight with what it described as “the indelible footprints” of Governor Ortom on the nation’s political sands.

The forum said it watched with keen interest the interview by Dr. Ortom and that he made no pretence over the real problems confronting Nigeria.

The forum in a statement issued by its President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, said, “The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the gabble of a response signed by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, over the interview granted to Channels Television on Tuesday by His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

“After a careful review of the interview and the 10-paragraph response issued by the presidential spokesman, the Forum is shocked at the twaddle response issued by the presidency. It is irrefutable that while the Benue State Governor came out speaking truth to those living in self-denial, we find it incompressible and strange on why Mr. Shehu refused to speak on issues raised by the governor but resorted to accusing Dr. Ortom of attempting to incite genocidal attacks against the Fulani. It is either the presidential spokesman is incapable of comprehending the content of the interview or he was simply being simply mischievous or both.”

The forum noted that true to Gov. Ortom’s character, the Governor has never left anyone in doubt as to his position on national issues, especially on matters relating to matters of insecurity and the urgency required in tackling the myriad of tragedies ripping across Nigeria caused by killer herdsmen.

The statement, “Unlike some state chief executives that would prefer to remain silent in the face of existential threats, Governor Ortom has always identified with his people.”

It added, “In our democracy that is fraught with subdued silence for fear of higher political forces, Governor Ortom remains a symbol of hope for a nation whose democratic leaders have remained impotent in speaking out against unprovoked murders and premeditated decimation of communities in the country, especially in the Middle Belt Region.”