Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on politicians and their supporters to shun violence, bitterness, and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to embrace issue-based campaigns.
He said political activities should promote democratic participation, peaceful coexistence and development rather than create hostility and divisions among communities.
Alia made the call on Saturday during the burial ceremony of late Cephas Rijam Nyinya Akpam at Tse Akpam, Mbade, Binev, Tombo, in Buruku Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by his spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, the Governor expressed concern over the tendency of some political actors to resort to violence and hostility in pursuing their political ambitions, stressing that elections should be contests of ideas, policies and development alternatives.
Governor Alia urged politicians to conduct their campaigns with maturity, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility, warning that political differences should not be allowed to threaten the peace and security of communities.
He also appealed to residents of Tombo, Buruku and other parts of Benue State to reject political violence and consider issues affecting their welfare and the future of the state when making political decisions.
Alia, however, urged the people to assess the performance of his administration rather than be swayed by the political narratives and persuasions of other politicians.
He solicited their continued support for his second-term ambition, saying another mandate would enable his administration to consolidate its achievements and sustain ongoing development projects across the state.
According to him, continuity would provide an opportunity to build on the foundation laid during his first tenure and advance his administration’s development agenda for the benefit of the people.
The governor also expressed condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying that God grants him eternal rest and gives the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss.
