Presidential Aide Chides Ortom

Shehu revealed that Ortom’s claim in the said interview was nothing but “patently Untrue” saying the Governor just like all the time is promoting division with such comments as a public figure. 

In his statement, “In a recent interview, the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, claimed that high ranking security personnel had informed him personally that President Buhari had ordered security forces not to move against the Fulani herdsmen responsible for recent violence,” 

The presidential spokesperson explained that as a Governor, he was being unreasonable to make such a claim, and if at all he being truthful, then he should name the security personnel that told him such a ridiculous claim, or he should forever remain silent and allow security agencies do their work. 

Shehu reiterated that “It is disappointing that Ortom, who in the same interview describes himself as a child of God who believes in being lawful and respects the Nigerian constitution, felt the need to spread such a divisive lie. 

The presidential spokesperson advised the Governor that being a leader in his state; he should focus more on uniting people rather than dividing them, but said, unfortunately, Ortom has chosen the path of violence and dishonesty to divide citizens along religious and ethnic fault lines. 

Describing Ortom behavior, Shehu said, “Fortunately, the cheap, dog whistle politics behind Ortom’s falsehood are plain for all to see.

He is not the first opportunistic politician who has attempted to sow discord amongst his country’s people in the run-up to an election; sadly, he will not be the last.”