NBA, MAKURDI BRANCH CONDEMNS ATTACK ON THE BENUE STATE GOVERNOR.
State NBA chairman – Justin Gbagir Esq
Deborah Adekaa.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Makurdi Branch has issued in a Press Statement condemning the assassination attempt on the life of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
The Chairman of the Branch who issued the Press Release at the NBA State Secretariat Makurdi, condemned in totality the attack on the Governor and said it was uncalled for.
It could be recalled that on the 20th of March, 2021 there was a press statement and video footage by the Governor, that he narrowly escaped with his life after an assassination attempt was made on his life while he was carrying on an inspection tour at his farm located at Tyo-mu along Makurdi-Gboko road. The Governor said the incident made him run for almost 1.5 kilometers before his security operatives could come to his rescue admist gunfire exchange between his security and the said attackers.
In a statement issued by the NBA Chairman Justin Gbagir Esq, stated that as a Professional Association whose motto is “Promoting the Rule of Law”, the Nigerian Bar Association cannot in the circumstances of this brazen disregard to human life and the the Rule of Law remain mute. He therefore condemned the attack on the Governor in most-strong terms and immediately called on the Federal Government that controls all the Security outfits in the country to bring to book the perpetrators of this evil act with a view of bringing them to justice.
Mr. Gbagir further said there is in existence a general obligation to obey the law and all legal subjects have an obligation to obey the law in all instances to which the law is applied. He said those aggrieved with Governmental or individual actions or inactions must also employ lawful means of seeking redress instead of resorting to violence. The chairman called on the Governor to remain resolute in his commitment to the defense of the Benue People. That the attack on him shouldn’t discourage him but rather strengthen his zeal as the defender of the Benue Valley to further device means of protecting the lives and properties of the people. He said the current happenings should always remind him of how vulnerable his people are in the hands of Fulani Militia and other bandits terrorizing the common man.
According to the Chairman the current security situation in the country is one that calls for collective efforts and working with the security operatives and the Government to get a lasting solution.
Justin Gbagir Esq also commended the swift response of President Muhammadu Buhari, and thanked him for coming out to condemn the attack on the Governor and ordered with immediate effect an open and transparent investigation of the attack and make sure that whoever is behind the ugly situation should be made to face the music.
In conclusion, he urged on the Federal Government to ensure that security is improved on every side of the Country to avert fears of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora and foreigners coming into the Country.
