PDP slams APC, says Ortom not behind security outfit whose operatives shaved off girls hair

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue State Chapter, has slammed the All Progressives Congress, APC, over a security outfit, “Hunters and Forests Security Guards.”

The security outfit, allegedly set up by Governor Samuel Ortom, is said to have been created to harass citizens of the state ahead of the 2023 elections in the state.

A video had shown operatives of the outfit shaving off the hair of a young girl, to the anger of the general public.

PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, in a statement said Ortom only became aware of the security outfit after the video went viral.

The statement read in part: “According to Benue APC in a statement from the office of its Publicity Secretary, the group was formed by the Benue State Government to harass and intimidate citizens ahead of the 2023 elections.

“This unfortunately has been the trend of conduct favoured by the opposition party which views politics as a war in which all is fair including the most bizarre fabrications of falsehood and mischief-making.

“In its trademark desperation, APC in Benue has increasingly adopted falsification of facts and even outright concoction of tales in a bid to tar PDP and its leaders as they strive to capture power in the state.

“However, Benue PDP urges the opposition to come away from the path of dirty politics it is threading as it leads to nowhere near the popular mandate of the people.

“PDP calls on APC to join it in the public arena where issues-based and development-driven political play is the order, where the people alone may reward a deserving party with the popular mandate of power, as they have done to our great party since 1999.

“Lies, mischief and whatever forms of negative politics will not earn APC victory over PDP come 2023, rather only a visible ability to successfully conduct transparent internal processes of the nomination of candidates and convincing articulation of issues before the people may earn their trust and mandate.

“2023 in Benue State will not be about lies and mischief making but surely it will be about the security of lives and properties of the people, their wellbeing and guarantees to their hopes for tomorrow and their children after them.”