The response of the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu to Benue governor Samuel Ortom’s distress call was described as reckless and insensitive by the Benue state government.
Terver Akase, Ortom’s aide said the state government is convinced the president was not aware of Shehu’s statement, as he would never have approved it.
Shehu had called Benue governor disappointing after he asked that president Buhari declare a state of emergency on security in the country, identifying that urgent intervention was needed from the federal government.
Reacting to this, Terver in a statement said: “We are convinced that Mr. President was not aware that his aide Shehu made such a statement on his behalf. It is clear that the media aide didn’t speak for the President in the said statement. President Buhari wouldn’t have given approval for such a reckless and insensitive press release.
“What is wrong with Governor Ortom’s call on the President to address the nation, convene a national security summit and declare a state of emergency on security, following the spate of killings taking place in Benue and the remaining states of the federation?”
“Many other Nigerians of good conscience have at different times made similar calls. What the Governor therefore deserves is commendation and not condemnation.
“It is shocking that Shehu would make a statement regarding an attack evidently carried out by Fulani herdsmen and there won’t be a single sentence of reproach directed at the violent Fulani herders. Such a deliberate omission smacks of complicity and tacit support for the killer herders,” the statement reads.
“What Garba Shehu ought to know is that Governor Ortom has no personal grudge against the President. The Governor is only being patriotic by calling for justice, equity, fairness, and above all the rule of law. He expects the President to be the leader of every Nigerian and treat all as his people,” he said.
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