APC invites Akume, Ortom after Gov’s exit

The Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Sen. Lawal Shu'aibu has invited Sen George Akume and Gov Samuel
Ortom to Abuja for an urgent meeting.

The duo are the main actors in the tussle for leadership of the Benue
chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The invitation followed Ortom's announcement that he is no longer with
the ruling party.

Ortom made the declaration at the banquet hall of the Government House
in Makurdi, the state capital on Monday.

He spoke while swearing in the newly appointed Special Adviser on
Local Government and Cheftaincy Affairs, Jerome Torshimbe.

Ortom's Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, quoted the governor as
saying that, "As for party, I've been given the red card and I'm now
outside the pitch.

"So, if I have been given the red card and I'm standing outside, that
means I'm a free man."

But a competent source told NAN in Abuja that the urgent meeting had
become necessary.

The meeting is expected to hold today and the party is expected to
brief the public on the outcome.

APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had on Monday reacted to
Ortom's declaration.