Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Wednesday urged the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari not to dismiss calls for the restructuring of the country and other views expressed by the people as ‘unpatriotic outbursts’.
The Governor’s advice stems from the Presidency’s recent reaction to the statement made by the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who suggested that the way out of the myriad of socio-economic problems in Nigeria is restructuring of the country.
Ortom in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Terver Akase, made available to journalists in Makurdi, stated that Nigeria is practicing democracy which guarantees the freedom of speech to all citizens and not military regime which suppresses the right of the people to voice their opinions about challenges facing their country.
He stressed that it was incumbent on the Federal Government to listen to the views of the people and evolve acceptable ways of addressing the problems confronting the country instead of engaging in a combative style against, anyone who dares to suggest alternative approach to tackling the country’s challenges.
According to Ortom, there was nothing new or strange about Pastor Adeboye’s call which he sad should be considered as patriotic and selfless.
“The great nations of the world got to their enviable status by harnessing and utilizing ideas of their citizens, not by discouraging those who made bold submissions on the development of their countries.
“There is need for the federal government to respect the rule of law and end the wave of impunity through its actions and policies.
“I believe in the unity of Nigeria and the potential of the country to overcome its current economic, security and other challenges”, he added.
