The comment made by Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State, that he would not vote for Atiku Abubakar or any Fulani guy has outraged Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Mr Mohammed, who today welcomed Mr Ortom and other governors to Bauchi, expressed regret over the racial profiling.
In a now-viral video, Mr Ortom swore to never vote for Atiku, the PDP presidential candidate, or any other Fulani individual. Since Atiku became the party’s nominee, the organization has been battling him.
Along with the governors of Rivers State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Bauchi, Mr Ortom was in Bauchi for a solidarity visit to get to know the governor. They had a private meeting but afterwards spoke to the media.
However, a knowledgeable person who declined to provide his identity because he was not authorized to speak to the media claimed that Mr Mohammed persuaded Mr Ortom to retract the comment.
Mr Mohammed also counselled the G-5 group to steer clear of portraying their conflict as one against Muslims.
According to the source, Mr Mohammed made an effort to convey to the Benue governor how the comments might affect national politics.
“He (Mr Mohammed) claimed Nigerians would begin to believe they are supporting Atiku Abubakar because he is a Muslim and they are all Christians because they are all fighting for him.
According to the source, he claimed that when the previous president Goodluck Jonathan had conflicts with some party members, they occurred between Muslims and Christians, Northerners and Southerners.
Ortom apologizes.
One of the reporters questioned Mr Ortom about his position on the Fulani remark when he spoke to the media following the private meeting.
Mr Ortom retorted that he had been misinterpreted.
“Thank you for asking, but let me clarify what I meant to say when I was recorded saying it was different. But even so, I am aware that if others interpret it as is, it amounts to a logical error. I would want to apologize to anyone who was upset by my comments. Sorry about that.
Mr Wike added in his comments that the organization has not closed its doors to reconciliation.
We’re here for reconciliations, as I’ve said several times.
We only advocate for justice, equity, and fairness.
The party is committed to these ideals.
Here we are.
The door has never been closed, and it won’t be closed.
Just look, let the right thing be done, is all we’re saying.
The entire nation will be able to tell that the election is over if the correct thing is done.
Backstory
In a widely shared video, Mr Ortom was heard saying that he would not back Atiku for president because Fulanis continue to slaughter people in the state.
“God help Atiku and everybody who backs him.
They ought to notify him in person.
You want me to serve as a Fulani’s slave.
Better that I pass away.
Anyone who backs Atiku is Benue’s enemy, he said fiercely.
“I won’t ever back a Fulani man for president.
I will collaborate with anyone other who is willing to help me secure the safety of my people.
Atiku has been opposed by Mr Ortom and Mr Wike ever since he won the party’s presidential primary.
They contend that it is improper for the presidential candidate and party head to both be from the North and call for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, the party’s national chairman.
