The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, has described as repressive and unfair, the federal government’s reaction to the recent Christmas message of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Kukah.
He sees the Bishop’s statement as a true reflection of the current situation in Nigeria and urged the President to disregard sycophants who tell him otherwise.
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Terver Akase, the governor advised that rather than politicize the views of the Bishop and castigate him the federal government should take a second look at the things he raised in the said message to avoid a situation where it seems to be throwing the baby away with the bathwater.
Ortom noted that it is incumbent on the federal government to listen to the views of the people and take steps to address the worrisome security situation and other problems confronting the country rather than being combative in its engagement of anyone who dares to hold an alternative opinion.
The Governor further emphasized that the country is practicing a democratic system of government that guarantees freedom of speech to all citizens not a military regime which suppresses the right of the people.
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He argued that even under the worst dictatorship,courageous citizens still express their views on issues of national interest.
Ortom maintained that nations of the world got to enviable heights by harnessing and utilizing ideas of its citizens not discouraging those who made bold submissions.
He said he still believed in the unity, growth, and potential of the country to overcome its current economic and security challenge and live up to the true meaning of its title the giant of Africa.
(Editor : Paul Akhagbemhe)
