The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has lauded the Senate for its stance in ensuring the autonomy of the third tier of government across the country.
Ortom made this known in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Terver Akase.
His statement is coming on the heels of the resolution of the Senate, calling for withholding of statutory allocations to non-democratically elected Local Government councils across the country.
The Senate resolution followed Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro’s motion to affront on democratic structure in Benue State’s local government administration system.
While reacting to the resolution of the Senate, the former governor stated that the Senate had exhibited a firm stance against dictatorial tendencies.
In the statement, the Ortom described the intervention of the Senate as a significant move which he said reflects a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the autonomy of local government administration across the country.
The ex-governor further said that the unanimous resolution by the apex house of the National Assembly represents a crucial step in safeguarding the democratic process at the grassroots level.
The statement read, “Chief Ortom says the Senate’s decision is a proactive measure which also has the potency to deter any act that undermines the democratic rights of citizens and the principles of good governance.
“By calling for the withholding of statutory allocations to non-democratically elected local government councils, the former Benue Governor states that the Senate has demonstrated a firm stance against dictatorial tendencies.
“He particularly commends Senator Abba Moro, for his proactive motion which drew urgent attention to the issue of the unconstitutionally sacked local government councils in Benue State.”
