January 03, (THEWILL) – Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo, over his endorsement of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
THEWILL earlier reported that former President Obasanjo had, in an open letter to Nigerians, endorsed Obi’s presidential bid.
The former President noted that none of the presidential candidates is a saint, but when compared in terms of knowledge, discipline and what they can offer, Obi has an edge over others.
“None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job, particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee, has an edge. Others, like all of us, have what they can contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration and salvaging of Nigeria, collectively.
“One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost,” he wrote in an open letter he personally signed on Sunday
Commenting on the development on Tuesday, Ortom said if he were not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would have personally led Obi’s campaign across the country.
The Governor, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Terver Akase, on Tuesday, said he was convinced that Obi possess qualities which would guarantee fairness, equity, and justice if he becomes the next president of the country.
“Governor Ortom strongly recommended Peter Obi to Nigerians as the man, who can effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges facing the country,” he said.
Ortom, who decried the bad leadership and consequences of heightened poverty, insecurity, banditry, kidnappings and other acts of terrorism, which have placed the country on the verge of collapse, commended Obasanjo for displaying objectivity, truth and patriotism in his choice.
According to Akase, Governor Ortom is convinced that Obi possesses the qualities of a leader, who will be a true President of this country by guaranteeing justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians.
“The Governor stresses that for some years, the country has been tottering on the verge of collapse, owing to leadership failure and its attendant consequences of poverty, heightened insecurity with banditry, kidnappings and other acts of terrorism threatening the very foundations of the nation.
“He says the President that Nigeria needs at this challenging time in the country’s history is one who understands the urgent need to unite the people and speedily initiate policies and actions to redirect the ship of the nation on the path of growth and development and emphasizes that Peter Obi has all such qualities.
“Governor Ortom lauds Chief Obasanjo for once again, demonstrating objectivity, truth and patriotism as a statesman whose views on national issues must be taken seriously,” the statement added.
