Governor Samuel Ortom says Nigeria does not deserve to celebrate democracy as bandits, unknown gunmen and Boko Haram terrorists run the nation ragged, with many innocent citizens enslaved in captivity.

The Benue governor has been a constant critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, following Mr Buhari’s taciturn response to various massacres in the North-Central state and his attempt to impose RUGA on the state.

In his goodwill message to commemorate the nation’s Democracy Day, Mr Ortom decried the worsening insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

“We cannot be celebrating Democracy Day when our citizens are now slaves and not free in their homes, schools, worship centres, workplaces and cannot go to their farms or even travel freely on our roads or by train,” he said.

He added, “We must tackle the issue of insecurity courageously if we are to practise democracy freely.”

While paying tribute to the martyr of the June 12 presidential election, MKO Abiola, the Benue governor said Nigerians should not give room for “undemocratic forces” to take control of the country.

“The practice of democracy should not be at the dictates or the whims and caprices of a few individuals who think they will lord it over the general public,” stated Mr Ortom.

Mr Ortom charged President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to wake up to its responsibility and end the menace of bandits, Boko and unknown gunmen.