Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the “awkward political development” in Benue State where eight lawmakers have served impeachment notice on Governor Samuel Ortom.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media office, Atiku deplored a situation where the eight lawmakers were being aided and abetted by police to achieve a predetermined end.
Reports indicated that eight of the 30 lawmakers in the state’s House of Assembly were on Monday aided by the police to illegally occupy the chamber where they served the impeachment notice on the governor.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said he was greatly embarrassed by the unfolding political drama in Benue State.
He condemned the “aberration and arbitrariness” in the plot to oust the governor, contrary to provisions of the country’s constitution.
“Any attempt to disregard the rule of law and constitution in the impeachment of a governor is a recipe for anarchy and officially sanctioned lawlessness,” the statement said.
Atiku regretted 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 urged the police to remain politically neutral and avoid aiding lawlessness, adding that partisanship could professionally destroy the image of the police.
Atiku reminded the police authorities that their loyalty ought to be to the constitution and the rule of law.
The former Vice President noted that whatever might be the short term political benefits of lawlessness, the long term dangers are by far greater than the perceived benefits.
He warned that if unchecked, the political situation in Benue State could lead to a domino effect across the country, thereby jeopardising the nation’s democracy and endangering innocent lives and property of lawful citizens.
