Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has urged the Federal Government not to politicise Kukah’s Christmas message.
Ortom described as unfair and repressive, Federal Government’s reaction to the message of the Catholic bishop who the government accused of stirring hatred against President Muhammadu Buhari, and calling for a coup.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Governor Ortom described Bishop Kukah as a selfless Nigerian who only sought to unite the nation, saying the cleric was always speaking his mind frankly on national issues.
The governor suggested that instead of castigating Kukah, the Federal Government should take a second look at the things he raised in the Christmas day message to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Ortom, “Even under the worst dictatorships, courageous citizens express their views on issues of national interest. Nigeria which is a democratic nation cannot be an exception.
“Whipping into silence, men and women of honour, who speak against injustice will not take the country to greater heights.”