Why Buhari Did Not Rush To Comment On Benue Killings – Ita Enang

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang has given reason why the President did not rush to react to the herdsmen/farmers’ clashes in Benue state that had resulted into deaths of many.
The Presidential aide, who briefed Buhari Project Group, made up of Buhari Media Support group and other Buhari/Osinbajo coalition groups, on issues that have been misinterpreted by some sections of Nigerians, said the President waited to have the full report about the situation before going public.
“There were allegations of herdsmen being infiltrated by insurgents to cause the mayhem in Benue state; there were other allegations that foreigners from neighbouring countries were part of it. So, the President had to get the clear picture of what was actually going on.”
Senator said that it is not true that President Buhari did not do anything or did very little while the killings were being perpetrated in Benue, adding: “the President preferred to do more and talk less.”
He referred to a letter which the President wrote to the Senate in reponse to the Seante’s earlier letter demanding to know what he had done so far on the issue of Benue killings.
Senator Enang said also that it is wrong to continue to blame the President on the issue of land for grazing or cattle colonies in the states of the federation, adding that by the provisions of the land act of 1978, which are reflected in the constitution, that have not been amended, the President has no power over land.
He said that even though the constitution spelt out the fact that state and local governments should provide land for, among others, grazing, but that President Buhari only appealed to governors to implement such constitutional provisions.
“In a federal system of government we are practicing, there are certain things that the President cannot do, and that is why he is being cautious so that the same people that are accusing him now of not doing those things would not also blow grammar if he does them.”
The explanation, he said, became necessary so as to enable the support groups to carry the message down to the grass roots as the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections.
Earlier, the chairman of Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG), Austin Braimoh also enumerated the achievements of the Buhari’s government on security, economic, educational and other sectors to warrant his continuity in office beyond 2019 to complete them.