Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari, should not relocate to Niger Republic after vacating office on May 29, but stay back in Nigeria to ‘enjoy the country he has ruined.’
Buhari who came to power in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and will be exiting power on May 29 after a two-term of eight years had joked recently that he would not mind relocating to Niger Republic after leaving office to have some peace.
Ortom who spoke on Arise Television interview regretted that Buhari’s major achievement was to “take Nigeria from top to bottom.”
“Buhari should not relocate to Niger Republic after leaving office. He should stay here with us.
“He has taken us from top to bottom. So, let him go no where. Let’s all stay here and work for the incoming administration, and by God’s grace move from bottom to top again.”
The former Minister for Culture and Tourism recalled with regret that when former President Goodluck Jonathan was in power, Nigeria was doing well in many frontiers but suddenly nosedived under the watch of Buhari.
“I remember when some of us had the privilege of serving under President Goodluck Jonathan, we were talking Nigeria from bottom to top to a certain level, but now we are at the bottom.”
Gov. Ortom accused Buhari of masterminding his senatorial bid loss at the just-concluded polls, but noted that he had forgiven him and moved on with life.
“The celebration of my defeat which was orchestrated by the Presidential Villa showed they wanted me out at all cost. Monies were spent to stop me.
“People talk of corruption but corruption is in the Villa itself. I know how much was spent by the Villa on Benue to ensure that I lose electron.
“Yes I lost. Fine and good, God permitted it and I have accepted it. I have accepted to move on.
“They thought I was on their way but I wasn’t on their way. All I did was to ensure justice and equity for all.”
The outgoing Governor said he would return to his farming career or take up job as a freelance journalists when he vacates office on May 29.
“I will go back to my farming business or become a freelance Journalist.”
