Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom
Following a statement credited to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, about the killings in the state, the Presidency has advised the governor on what to do to ensure peace reigns in the state.
Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media advised Governor Ortom to accept the Ruga and other policies announced by the Buhari-led administration.
According to Shehu, the recent spate of insecurity ravaging Benue state resulted from Mr Ortom’s rejection of Ruga settlements.
The Presidential spokesman claimed that the governor’s refusal to adopt the controversial RUGA policy showed he did not value people’s interest.
Shehu added that the Ortom administration should cooperate with the federal government to implement the national strategies programmes in addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress, and development.
He further accused governor Ortom of stirring religious and ethnic violence by using the divide-and-rule tactic.
Governor Ortom had recently blamed the killings in Benue state on Buhari’s action and inaction; he also accused the President of Fulanising Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the governor had rejected the RUGA policy describing it as deceptive and against the interest of Benue indigenes, who are predominantly farmers.