BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday said he is greatly embarrassed by the unfolding awkward political drama in Benue State where some lawmakers, aided and abetted by the Nigeria Police Force came together to illegally occupy the Benue State House of Assembly and serve impeachment notice on Governor Samuel Ortom.
Atiku specifically said that any attempt to disregard the rule of law and the constitution in the impeachment of a governor is a recipe for anarchy and officially sanctioned lawlessness.
While condemning the sad political development in the state, Atiku said the aberration and arbitrariness in the plot to oust Governor Ortom contrary to the provisions of the country’s constitution could not have been contemplated in modern Nigeria.
The former Vice President expressed regrets that, for a state facing security challenges like Benue, the introduction of lawlessness in the impeachment process could only complicate an already bad situation.
He called on the police to remain politically neutral and avoid aiding lawlessness, adding that partisanship could destroy the professional image of the police.
Atiku stressed that the loyalty of the police should be to the constitution and the rule of law.
He further said that whatever might be the short term political benefits of lawlessness, the long term dangers are by far greater than those perceived benefits.
He therefore warned that, if unchecked, the political situation in Benue State could lead to a domino effect across the country, thereby jeopardizing our democracy and endangering innocent lives and property of lawful citizens.
