Osibanjo was traveling to Wukari, Taraba State en path to the Makurdi military airport in Benue to participate in the convocation of the Federal University, Wukari.

Ortom, who informed newsmen in Makurdi that he was rejected entrance at the gate of the Air Force base by the security personnel regardless of receiving a notification previously that the vice-president will be passing through his territory, described the action by the security workers as unacceptable, breach of protocol and politics taken too far.

The governor was sorry for that although he had at first set out to go to the burial of Professor Ignatius Ayua, he needed to entrust his deputy to stand in for him in order to get the Vice President when he received interaction via a letter from the presidency intimating him of the vice president’s transit see.

He kept in mind that the letter dealt with to him from the State House Abuja dated 10th February 2022 with reference VP/SP/DOP/ 26 was entitled: “Visit of His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Wukari, Taraba State transiting NAF Base, Makurdi, on Saturday, 12th February 2022”.

The letter which was signed by Ambassador Abdullahi Qwary showed that the vice president would also return through the exact same path in the afternoon.

Speaking on the advancement, Ortom stated, “Gentlemen of the press, it is unfortunate that an unsightly event occurred today, which is a breach of protocol and I feel so unfortunate for our nation Nigeria, where whatever has actually been reduced to politics. There are certain things you don’t politicise.

“It is a typical thing, when distinguished dignitaries, like the President or the Vice-President, is travelling through your state, that the governor receives him.

“I decided to mandate the Deputy Governor to represent me at the burial of Prof. Ayua. This early morning, I got prepared and went to the Air Force base, where the Vice President is expected to land, en path Wukari and regrettably, I was bounced at the gate; in my own state.

“It does not occur. This is a breach of protocol and this is not accepted. This is politics taken too far. This is not proper and somebody needs to represent this.

“If a personality like the Vice President is visiting my state and I can not go there to welcome him, then it will be a breach of procedure on my part. How can I go to the Air Force base and I am bounced at eviction? I suggest, it has never occurred, throughout this nation.

He continued, “Maybe, the very same Presidency that wrote to me is not aware. I think we should, if we need to make development, to distinguish between politics and government activities. It is a government activity that I welcome Mr President or Vice President; that I invite any dignitary that comes here from the Federal Government.

“There is no permanent opponent or irreversible good friend in politics. If they choose to do the ideal thing, tomorrow I can be the finest good friend of the President. I do not have any issue with the President or Vice President and all the things that I state they are indicated to add worth to our development and get things right.

“I have never insulted the President, the Vice President or the Federal Government however there are particular things that they are doing which are incorrect that must be remedied. I will report this breach to the Vice President due to the fact that it was protocol for me to have actually gone to receive him and after that see him off, likewise, to get him back when going to Abuja. It’s actually regrettable. I feel really sorry,” Ortom discussed.

Gotten in touch with, the NAF Command Public Relations Officer, Wing Commander, Chris Erondu, just referred our reporter to his superiors in Abuja.

ToriNG