Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to review its decision to give African travellers visas on arrival in the country with effect from January next year.
Ortom in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, said the decision meant that Africans wishing to travel to Nigeria could freely do so whenever they desire.
The governor said as popular as the policy might sound, “it portends danger ahead as Nigeria will soon turn to a safe haven for persons with questionable character such as terrorists and other criminals who would come into the country without hindrance.”
He appealed to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to reconsider the decision in the overall interest of the nation.
In the same vein, the governor commended Nigerians whose dogged clamour led to the release of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, as well as a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
Ortom equally commended retired Major General Buhari for ordering the release of Sowore and Dasuki in accordance with the rule of law.
He stated that Nigeria, which prides itself as the giant of Africa and beacon of democracy, must, at all times, be seen as a champion of the rule of law and respecter of human rights.
The governor stressed that “countries which practise true democracy across the world obey court orders and respect the fundamental rights of their citizens.”
