Yesterday, the media were awash with reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC was laying ambush to apprehend the immediate past Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on alleged corruption charges. The reports however did not state what Chief Ortom’s offense was.
As lovers of democracy, justice and fairness, we find it necessary to add our voice to the issue and remind the EFCC of its constitutional role and the need for it to desist from fighting selective battles and the wrong enemies.
The government of Muhammadu Buhari is on record as the most corrupt administration in the post-independence history of Nigeria! Trillions of naira have been stolen under the watch of “Mr Integrity”, but the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies always look the other way while the country is being raped. They prefer to oppress those who have volunteered to fight for justice, like Samuel Ortom.
We recall that in August 2018, less than one month after Governor Ortom dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on account of gross insecurity and his maltreatment by the leadership of APC in Benue State, the EFCC was swiftly drafted by the presidency to go after the Governor like a rabid dog.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari did not hide his disdain for Ortom. He wanted Ortom removed at all costs and his agent for executing the “project” was Senator George Akume, the leader of APC in Benue State.
Today, the EFCC, apparently following the wink and prompting of the immediate past President, has resumed the witch-hunt of Ortom? But what is the former Benue Governor’s crime? His only “sin” is his boldness to challenge the powers behind the Fulani occupation agenda. He has dared to take the tiger by the tail. Ortom is apparently the first Governor to directly question the Fulani subjugation machinery and refuse to shift even a foot backwards.
The immediate past Benue State Governor also knew that the beast would fight back and he prepared his mind for the war ahead. In the last couple of weeks, he often told his audience that he was ready to visit the EFCC if the commission wanted him to appear before it. What is not clear is why the commission would want to arrest a man who is willing to answer charges against him.
EFCC has exhibited the height of impunity by its selective war against financial crimes in the country. The situation where the commission harasses innocent citizens on politically motivated grounds is unacceptable.
We task the EFCC to beam its searchlight on corrupt officials in the immediate past administration of President Buhari who turned the national treasury to their personal estate.
Lastly, we must remind Senator George Akume that we Benue people are carefully taking note of his role in bringing down our illustrious sons to enable him remain the only lion in the forest. We are aware of the several petitions he sponsored against former Governor Gabriel Suswam and the ones he has sponsored against Suswam’s successor Samuel Ortom.
Akume has betrayed the love we have shown him since he joined politics. He has rewarded our love with hatred by absolving armed Fulani herders and accusing us of killing ourselves.
Signed:
Comrade Ternenge Bendega
President, Benue Coalition for Democracy, BCD