The Benue Coalition for Democracy, BCD, has said Governor Samuel Ortom should be celebrated over the declaration of bandits as terrorists by the Federal Government.
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal government, on Wednesday, declared bandits terrorizing most parts of the nation as terrorists.
However, the BCD in a statement issued on Thursday by Comrade Ternenge Bendega, its president, said the credit should be given to the Benue State governor, because “when he was busy drawing attention to the atrocious acts of bandits in the north central and other parts of the country, agents of the Buhari administration blackmailed, vilified and victimized him.
“The Government of Buhari at some point asked Benue people to learn to live with the bandits also known as Fulani herdsmen whom they called “neighbours” of Benue people.
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“Now that Governor Ortom’s clarion call for action to save the country from the hands of terrorists has been hearkened, we elect to commend him and urge him to remain steadfast. Governor Ortom has led this path before. It is on record that he championed the issue of ranching. Today, the whole country is singing the ranching anthem.
“Governor Ortom has once again been proven to be a visionary leader who also has tremendous love for his people. We believe that the next time the Benue State Governor makes his views public on any matter of national interest, apologists of the Buhari administration will think twice before throwing jabs at him.
“We must not fail to demand sincerity of purpose from the Federal Government as it concerns the declaration of bandits as terrorists. This action should not be another paper pronouncement. The military should swiftly move into all forests in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria to flush out the terrorists.
Also Read: Full Details: FG Declares Bandits as Terrorists
“The present government is known for making pronouncements without backing same with actions. This time, we expect to see a difference with commensurate action.
“Finally, we reiterate our commitment to the unity, security and prosperity of our great nation.”
