The Governor Of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has withdrawn his support for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar over alleged hate speech.
The Governor also accused Atiku of sidelining him in the selection of his presidential campaign team and working against the interest of the Benue people.
Ortom disclosed this while speaking at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.
His remarks came on the heels of some elderstatemen in the state, Minda Leaders of Thoughts also withdrawing their support for Atiku over alleged hate speech and profiling of Benue people.
The Governor accused Atiku of working with Miyetti Allah, a herdsmen group notorious for outrageous killings.
Recall that Atiku appeared to have justified the recent killings in Benue State by Fulani herders when he said that the condemnable acts were due to “sustained clashes between farmers and herders.
Ortom appeared to have been infuriated by the comments after the havoc the group had inflicted in the state.
He said, “It was not correct for a presidential candidate who is seeking to rule the people to say that kind of thing.
“It was very wrong. And it would appear that he doesn’t even reference me and consider me to be a governor of my state.
“I am not in his campaign team. The people they appointed there, no consent from me. So, I’ll remain on my own. But I’m waiting; when the election comes, we shall vote the election according to the election.”