Governor condemns Wike’s call for state of emergency in Benue

The Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has condemned his Rivers state counterpart, Nyesom Wike’s call for a declaration of a state of emergency in Benue.

Wike had earlier slammed Ortom over the recent killings in Zaki-Biam, saying he does not have the capacity to stand up for his people.

Gunmen had attacked Zaki-Biam on Monday, March 20, 2017, leaving many people dead and properties destroyed.

Governor Wike also alleged that Ortom had been politicising the issue of insecurity in the country.

In his response, Ortom said the Rivers state Governor should face his state and work hard to stop the violence in his domain.

The Benue Governor also described Wike’s comments as laughable, adding that more people have been killed in Rivers than in Benue.

According to Punch, Ortom said “It is unfortunate that someone of his status will be making such outburst because there are more killings in Rivers than Benue.

“In Rivers, there is no rule of law but here in Benue there is rule of law; that is why we have taken proactive steps to stop the Fulani herdsmen attacks on our people.

“We have sent an anti-grazing bill to the state house of assembly. When the bill is passed, we will go a step further on the criminality of some hoodlums. We are on top of the situation.

ALSO READ: Wike calls for state of emergency to be declared in Benue

“I inherited a state where everything is comatose; criminality was on its peak but with the steps we have taken, you all are witness to the fact that crime in the state has been reduced to barest minimum.

“But as a leader with fear of God I will continue to pray for him, let God help him to succeed, I leave him with his conscience.”

Governor Samuel Ortom escaped a car accident unhurt on March 21, 2017, on his way back from an inspection tour of Zaki-Biam.