A group under the aegis of Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) on Monday blasted Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom over his call for the postponement of the census due to fears that internally displaced persons (IDPs) might be excluded.
SNM convener, Rev Solomon Semaka, at a press conference in Abuja described Ortom’s position as insensitive, politically motivated and not reasonable.
The group said there’s no law that says that IDPs cannot be counted irrespective of where they are.
The group urges Governor Ortom to separate politics from issues of national interest added census has nothing to do with his Fulani sentiments and innuendos and twisted narratives.
It noted: “Hiding under the banner of insecurity to call for the postponement of a project that’s about to kick off is callous. If insecurity did not stop elections then it can’t stop the 2023 census.
“Everyone will be counted since as long as they make themselves available in any location. Insinuating that those in IDP camps won’t be counted or that they must go back to their ancestral homes before the census will commence is a needless distraction.”