The Jemgbagh Concerned Youths Forum, JCYF, has cautioned the people of the Gboko area of Benue State against allowing themselves be deceived to work against Governor Samuel Ortom.

JCYF said those deceived into having negative feelings against Ortom due to the battle with Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may have seen the light.

Ortom, alongside Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and other party chieftains, has been calling for Ayu’s removal as PDP’s National Chairman.

They claim that Ayu and PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, cannot come from the same region.

Both Ortom and Ayu are from the same state.

However, JCYF said the traditional titles bestowed on Ortom and his wife and the “recognition has indicated that those who recently embarked on a journey to poison the minds of Gboko people and Jemgbagh generally against Ortom have failed.”

Philip Hundu, the President of JCYF, said those against Ortom may have seen the light by the uncommon decision taken by the political and traditional leadership of Gboko.

Hundu also commended the Gboko Local Government Council and the Gboko Traditional Council for honouring Ortom and his wife with traditional titles.

The JCYF said the gesture has clearly shown that Governor Ortom is not only appreciated for the massive transformation of Gboko and the entire Jemgbagh but is widely accepted as a worthy ally of the Jemgbagh people.

Hundu, in a statement, said it is “upbeat that the few people who were deceived into having negative feelings about Governor Ortom over the battles of their son, Dr. Ayu is facing in his position as the National Chairman of the PDP may have seen the light by the uncommon decision taken by the political and traditional leadership of Gboko.”

The statement added, “The JCYF wonders why a man who has changed the infrastructural and economic realities of Jemgbagh and Gboko, in particular, could be said to be an enemy of the people when all along, he has made their area a priority.

“The Jemgbagh Concerned Youths Forum, calls on some sons and daughters of Gboko who have lost political relevance to make frantic efforts towards reviving their political fortunes rather than desperate moves to cause disaffection between the people and Governor Ortom who has done for them what no one, not even their own son who held sway between 1999 and 2003 had ever for them.”

The youths group pledged its total support for Governor Ortom and urged him to remain focused and undaunted in protecting the interest of the Jemgbagh people as he has always done.

The JCYF equally enjoined youths in Jemgbagh to shun the antics of unruly politicians who are out to use them for mischief and other unprofitable ventures.