Buhari trades words with Ortom over killings

President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend traded words with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, again, rebuffing criticisms over the rising insecurity in Nigeria. The president repeatedly giving assurance that he would contain those perpetuating killings, Kidnapping, armed robbery, invasion of communities and destruction of property, is widely perceived not to match words with actions, leading to the frustration of many Nigerians, including state actors.

Governor Ortom had last week berated President Buhari on the perceived soft spots or sympathy for bandits, Boko Haram, killer herdsmen and others, saying that the president is paving the way for the Fulani to control all parts of Nigeria.

It was, however, indicated in a statement from the presidency that the President expressed his condolences to the families of the citizens who lost their loved ones in the recent spate of killings in Benue State.

The president was said to have furthermore stated that the rising levels of incidents especially the killings and violence in various parts of the country calls for further collaboration with security agencies to curb its recurrence.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement, disclosed that the president expressed his disappointment and sadness to hear Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State make a litany of accusations against his person and his government, following the recent unfortunate incidents in the state.

He argued that “no responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons camp. “President Buhari is deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue State but also in other parts of the country and expects that the law enforcement agencies will go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

“The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Governor Ortom.

“President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

“Those citizens regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.

“President Buhari continuously stresses that the strength of our country lies in our diversity in faith, culture, and traditions and attempts to sharpen the divide between northern and southern Nigeria, between Muslims and Christians, and between communities that have coexisted for centuries should be frowned upon and resisted. As Nigerians, we accuse colonial rulers of the policy of divide and rule. Today, it is our own leaders who put region against region, religion against religion, ethnic group against ethnic group and community against community,” Garba declared.

The SSA Media to the president stated that the future of Benue State and indeed that of the entire country lies in harmony and the respect for law, order, and the constitution. It is the only way to achieve progress and development, he added.

“While the President will continue to keep security, police and the armed forces on their toes to be on top of their act in troubled parts of the country, the situation in the states will greatly be helped by everyone working together because that is the foundation on which progress and prosperity can be achieved.

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“Benue under the Ortom administration ought to cooperate with the Federal Government in the implementation of a number of national strategies programs in addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress and development. This can still get done when the interest of the people is placed above all other interests. A government voted into office by the people, should treat the people as its masters and not as its servants,” Garba declared.