Benue State governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, has described as “shameful and disgraceful” the acts of defeated Senator George Akume, who instead of channelling his grievances to the election petitions tribunal, led a destructive street march in the name of celebrating the re-election of the President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ortom condemned Akume’s action during an interaction with newsmen yesterday in Makurdi. He wondered why a high profile individual like Akume should supervise the destruction of PDP billboards and structure in the state capital because he lost an election.
“I am disappointed with the senator who led other All Progressives Congress (APC) members and instead of staging a peaceful celebration of President Buhari’s victory, went on rampage destroying billboards of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raided shops and blocked major roads in Makurdi metropolis, this is not fair,” Ortom fumed.
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He urged Akume to be magnanimous in conceding defeat, maintaining that he ought to be grateful to God and Benue people for giving him the opportunity to serve them as governor for eight years and senator 12 years.
“Akume should be grateful for in spite of his poor performance, he served as senator for 12 years. He should reciprocate the people’s gesture and not resorting to destructive tendencies because he lost an election. I believe that the right thing to do if the results are not in your favour is to go to the court since the tribunal has already been constituted to seek redress,” he said.
The governor appealed to the people to remain calm even in the face of provocation and report any act of intimidation or threat to peace to security agencies.
Ortom rated the election as relatively free, fair and transparent and commended the security agencies for being professional in the performance of their duty during the elections.
“The state is excited over the outcome of the election. This is what democracy entails, the will of the people should be allowed to prevail”, Ortom said.
According to him, Senator Akume has dared the might of the Benue people for 12 years and he has paid for it.
