Benue women blast Akume, demand apology from Buhari minister for promoting hate on Gov Ortom

Benue Women under the aegis of Concerned Benue Mothers have demanded an apology from the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume over what they described as his ‘offensive and odious’ press conference.

The women who spoke through Mrs Rebecca Apezan, called on the Minister to make haste and tender an unreserved apology to Governor Samuel Ortom and other peace-loving people of Benue State.

According to the mothers, as a former governor, Senator Akume should be in the forefront speaking against the mindless shedding of blood by herdsmen and not seen to be promoting hate on Governor Ortom who is speaking truth to power.

The mothers said they were shocked that Senator Akume and his group closed their eyes against the pains visited on Benue people by killer herdsmen and rather took sides with a president who has not shown any form of concern at the attacks and killings.

They stated that it was too early in the day for any discerning Benue son or daughter to forget President Buhari’s counsel that “we should learn to live with our killer neighbours.”

They further expressed surprise that Senator Akume who benefited so much from Benue State would seek to destroy the state for his ‘selfish’ interest.

“It is sad that Akume and his cohorts seek to trample on the pride of Benue to sing praises to President Buhari and his administration that has failed to secure the lives of Benue people,” the mothers stated.

They continued: “We want Akume and his group to remember that human life is sacred, the lives of Benue people are precious and as mothers, we will rather die supporting our Governor than being beggars at t free he court of killers.”

The women called on President Muhammadu Buhari to show the same commitment to Benue as he is doing to Borno State, appealing that he release the N10 billion promised by the Federal Government in 2018 for resettlement of displaced people.

Governor Ortom while receiving the protesters, appreciated the show of solidarity by the concerned mothers and assured them that no amount of sponsored media campaign would stop him from speaking against injustice being done to innocent Nigerians.