Nigeria drifting to a banana republic – Ortom

The governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom said Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is drifting to a banana republic.

Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s order on ballot boxes snatchers, Ortom while interacting with journalists at Abuja Monday lamented that, “It is unfortunate that Nigeria is gradually drifting to a banana republic where no rule of law is respected and observed. A government that was elected democratically is gradually turning into a dictatorship. It is unfortunate for our own President to come out and disregard the provisions of the laws of the land and give orders for extra-judicial killings in the state and torture against innocent Nigerians. 

The governor who also registered his disdain for rigging of any form by any political party, added that, “For me, I did not rig election to become governor. But the truth of the matter is that we have laws. And I expect that Mr President who is the chief custodian of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should protect our constitution and the laws of the land. It is unfortunate that Mr President gave that orders. 

“I want to advise those who are in the military, police and the other security agencies that they should know that they are also Nigerians. Today, they are serving the public; tomorrow they will not be there. Maybe some of them will become politicians like some of us are. It has happened in the past and it will happen again. And I also want to remind them that the day of reckoning will definitely come when they will be alone to give account of their stewardship. So, I want to advise them to respect the rules of engagement based on the laws of the land. No matter the directives of Mr President. The police, army, DSS and all other security agencies should be professional rather than taking arbitrary directives, he urged.

Ortom called on Nigerians to be law-abiding and cautioned that, ” This election must take place. And it must be free, transparent and fair to ensure that we usher in credible leaders that will take us to the Promised Land. We should not do anything that will disrupt this election. 

He revealed that, “I know that the APC are planning to give soldiers and other security agencies to APC supporters to intimidate others. We are not going to accept this. Let it be known to every Nigerian that some of us are prepared to spill our last blood for ensuring that this democracy is sustained for the sake of Nigerians and posterity. 

“To the security agencies, I want them to know that beyond Nigeria, there is International Criminal Court. And when you finish your tenure, you will still be liable. If you do that which is wrong, Mr President will not be there tomorrow to protect you. So, they have to be mindful. We must protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, otherwise none of us will be safe again including the President, he said.

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