By Sunday Iduh
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called on the Federal Government (FG) to account for the one billion dollars security funding. The governor lamented that despite the bogus amount, security situations in the country has nosedived to a level never witnessed in the history of the country.
The governor made the call Tuesday, shortly before the commencement of the Benue State Security Council meeting at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
The National Economic Council (NEC) had in 2017 approved one billion dollars to be sourced from the country’s excess crude account for the fight against insurgency and other violent criminal activities across the country.
Governor Ortom lamented the situation whereby innocent Nigerians are left in the hands of terrorists. “The giant of Africa has become the grasshopper of Africa. It is very painful to see the country where it is today”
“Nigerians are afraid of the next minute of their existence. Security issues ought not to be the concern of the president alone. Security issues are paramount and it should not be tailored along political lines rather saving lives should be the priority,” he stated.
He wondered why things should be the way they are in Nigeria and reminded FG of its obligation to the people. “The primary responsibility of any responsible government is to ensure safety of lives and property.”
The governor commended members of the security council for their commitment to ensuring peace in Benue State and assured them of the continued support of the state government to ensure that they always succeed. He noted that without security there can never be room for any meaningful development.
“The commitment of the security agencies in Benue State is well appreciated. Some of them have paid the supreme prize,” he added.
The Benue State governor appealed to the people of the state and other Nigerians to rise in support of the families of security personnel, who have paid the supreme prize as a form of succour to them
The meeting which usually holds behind closed doors is expected to discuss the take-off of Benue State Community Volunteer Guard and other security issues.
