Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has expressed appreciation to patriotic Nigerians for their solidarity, support and prayers which have enabled the nation as well as Benue State overcome the recent wave of impunity.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the Governor said the development has deepened democracy which thrives on the rule of law and due process.

Ortom believes that the nationwide condemnation which trailed the siege on the Benue State House of Assembly as well as the invasion of the National Assembly by the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) will be remembered and appreciated by patriots now and in the future.

He says the condemnation of the freezing of the state government’s accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the general outcry by concerned citizens have made the organization to unfreeze the said accounts. 

The Governor also thanks the Presidency for intervening to end impunity and the siege on the legislature.

He appreciates Benue people for their support as well as religious and traditional leaders across the country who have stood by the truth and called for the protection of democracy.

The Governor thanks the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), civil society organisations and the media for being true defenders of democracy and advocates of justice, fairness and equity.

Governor Ortom wishes to assure Nigerians, particularly the people of Benue State, that he will not bow to intimidation and harassment aimed at bullying him into silence. 

The Governor says he has not committed any offence by enacting a law prohibiting open grazing in the state and by choosing another political platform. That he has only exercised his right to freedom of association as provided for in the country’s Constitution just as those who have left other parties for the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

Governor Ortom stressed that his persecution and that of others on account of their defection is a direct attack on constitutional provisions which must be rejected by all patriots.