Atiku condemns illegal plot to oust Ortom, says ‘lawlessness, partisanship can destroy police image’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned “the awkward political development in Benue State where some lawmakers, aided and abetted by the Nigeria Police Force came together to illegally occupy the Benue State House of Assembly and serve impeachment notice to Governor Samuel Ortom.”
Reacting to the political development in a statement in Abuja on Monday, the former Vice President said he was greatly embarrassed by the unfolding political drama in the North-Central state. 
He condemned the “aberration and arbitrariness in the plot to oust Governor Ortom, contrary to the provisions of the country’s Constitution”.
According to him, 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”. 
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 police. 
He stressed that the loyalty of the police should 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 those perceived benefits. 
He warned that, if unchecked, the political situation in Benue State could lead to a domino effect across the country, “thereby jeopardising our democracy and endangering innocent lives and property of lawful citizens”.