Miyetti Allah, Arewa Youth tackle Ortom over attack on Bauchi Gov

Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has come under criticisms for accusing his Bauchi counterpart Bala Mohammed of being a terrorist.

The face-off between the duo took a fresh twist on Monday when Ortom launched a verbal attack on Mohammed for backing herdsmen carrying of AK-47 to defend themselves.

Bauchi Deputy Speaker, Danlami Kawule, described the statement as derogatory.

Kawule, who stated this during an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, said Bauchi indigenes as well as the People Democratic Party (PDP) are not happy over the strained relationship between the duo, who belong to the PDP.

According to him, they are supposed to be working towards the unity of the nation.

He maintained leaders should refrain from making utterances capable heating up the polity, adding that no nation can progress in a state of chaos.

Kawule said: “As far as I am concerned, Governor Ortom needs to apologise to the people of Bauchi State for tagging Governor Mohammed as a terrorist because Bauchi people are not terrorists neither is the Governor.

“Such statement should not come out from the mouth of a leader who happens to be a mouth piece of the people who everybody look forward to as a role model.”

He added: “For him to say that if you cannot follow the law in Benue state, go to Bauchi State and pick AK47, it is very dehumanizing.

“What does Governor Ortom mean by such a statement? That statement is an abusive word. We are not happy over this development because Bauchi State is the most secured place in the country where other neighbouring states who are bedeviled by insecurity come to settle.”

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder’s Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and address those violating the constitution.

Bauchi chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed, who spoke with journalists accused Benue and Ondo Governors of disenfranchising the fundamental human rights of herdsmen.

He said Ortom is trying to cause chaos with his unguided utterances.

According to him, ”Ortom, as you are all aware, was the first to chase out herdsmen out of his own state. He also sponsored all criminal activities in Benue State.

“He gave arms to criminals in Benue to cause chaos thereby blaming it on herdsmen.

”Benue was one of the most peaceful states before Ortom became Governor but upon his arrival things changed. He has forgotten he is from the minority tribe

”We are calling on the President to intervene and address those who are violating the constitution by disenfranchising on the fundamental human rights of some particular members of the society.

”The statement made by this leaders is a clear indication that the unity of Nigeria is at stake and can only be protected by Mr President.”

Arewa Youths for Peace and Development dismissed Ortom as an enemy of Nigeria.

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Salihu Magaji, described his statement as unacceptable, erroneous and unfair while demanding unreserved apology to all Nigerians from him.