‘Presidency, Security Operatives Should be Impartial in Benue Political Crisis

Okon Bassey in Uyo

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Anietie Okon, has called on the presidency and security operatives to remain impartial on the political development in the country ahead of the 2019 general election.

The senator, who is a former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said event specifically in Benue State where eight out of 30 lawmakers have served impeachment notice on the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, was not a positive progress in the country’s democracy.

In an interview in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, Okon said the activities of the Nigeria police in Benue State call for question as it was a recipe for chaos and anarchy.

He said the police should always be seen as being neutral in political environment instead of being reduced to a gangster outfit doing the biddings of the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the constitution of country.

The senator expressed concern over the alleged involvement of President Muhammadu Buhari on the raging political crisis in Benue State, saying his attitudinal position has given rise to the acts of banditry being perpetuated by the police in the state.

Okon condemned the allegation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Ortom on the purported embezzlement of N22billion, saying the action of the agency has equally called for question on its credibility and trust by Nigerians.

“What is unfolding in Benue State is unconstitutional and devoid of any known legislative norms, practices and procedure. The eight lawmakers are hit men of a gangster cartel led by Adams Oshomhole, and Nigerians are appalled by this crass exhibition of desperation.

“What is expected from the lawmakers is to work in synergy with the governor and members of executive to provide dividends of democracy to the people, as the interest of the people should remain paramount,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain tasked Ortom not to succumb to the on-going ‘political gangsterism’ against his government, but should continue in his heroic defence of the people of the state.

He regretted that the presidency and APC have resorted to thuggery and retarded tactics where political engagements and dialogue are needed.

The senator argued that the president absolving himself belatedly from the on-going embarrassing hooliganism from the security agencies was mere face saving measures.

He called on the Benue people to remain solidly behind their governor, urging them not to flinch or surrender to the acts of intimidation and persecution because it is a mere passing phase in their history as a people.