Elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare an immediate emergency to address the deteriorating security situation in the State.
They hinged their call on the persistent claim by Gov. Samuel Ortom that the security situation in the State has deteriorated in such a manner that the lives of Benue people are not secured.
Addressing reporters on behalf of elders and stakeholders of the party in the State in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, said the call came after assessment of the situation and the “acceptance of failure” by Gov. Samuel Ortom.
Akume, who was flanked by APC Chairman, Abba Moro, former and serving national and state assemblies and chieftains of the party in the State, said the Governor has shown gross incompetence to govern, calling on the President to rescue the state.
Akume said: “Since Governor Ortom has consistently alleged that the security situation in Benue State has deteriorated in such a manner that lives of Benue people are not secured, we call on Mr. President as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to declare a state of emergency in Benue State to bring the security situation in the state under control.
“We are dismayed by this crass incompetence exhibited by the governor. His rantings are irritating and smack of tricks of a conman. It is crystal clear that the ultimate solution to the Benue insecurity would be, as Governor Ortom himself had earlier this year said that the President should declare a state of emergency in Benue State with approval of the National Assembly.
“Governor Ortom’s foul language to disparage decent people could further deteriorate the security situation in Benue State. We urge security agencies to immediately arrest all criminal elements Governor Ortom is using to perpetuate insecurity and bring normalcy to the troubled state.”
On a recent verbal outburst of the Governor and the “uncouth” statement against the person and the office of President Buhari, the Minister described the development as unfortunate and unbecoming of a statesman and the sanctity of the office the governor occupy.
“We the stakeholders of the Benue State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are alarmed at the lonesome bitter and sustained campaign of calumny launched by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on the person and office of our President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“This unwarranted and ill-motivated attack has been going on for over one year now, and it seems President Buhari’s silence and incredible display of magnanimity to the Governor and the people of Benue State has not been enough to pacify the Governor.
