The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State have read with interest the statement credited to Governor Hyacinth Alia at Tse Akpam, Mbade, Binev, Tombo in Buruku Local Government Area, where he cautioned against political violence and advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While we agree entirely that elections should be contests of ideas, policies and development alternatives and not occasions for confrontation and division, we must state clearly: Good words are not enough.
The Governor must live up to his own statement, Bright Yima Antyo, the State Publicity Secretary, said in a statement.
Leadership is not by preaching peace to the opposition while looking away when violence is perpetrated by those loyal to government. Leadership is by example, by action, and by justice for all it noted.
If the Governor is truly against political violence, then we task him to prove it by cautioning his own supporters first.
Charity must begin at home. The Governor should publicly and firmly warn his aides, appointees and supporters that anyone who engages in intimidation, thuggery, destruction of opponents’ billboards, or attacks on campaign gatherings will be sanctioned, no matter how close they are to power.
Peace cannot be preached to one side alone the PDP said.
Also, he should ensure that Security Agencies are neutral. They must not be used as tools to harass, arrest, or intimidate opposition members while shielding government loyalists. The Governor must ensure that the police and other agencies protect all Benue citizens equally, irrespective of party.
A government that uses State power to silence dissent is itself promoting violence.
The Governor should discourage his spokespersons and supporters from branding opposition members as enemies, criminals, or threats to the State. Such language breeds hatred and emboldens violent attacks on innocent people.
Issue-based campaigns can only thrive where there is freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and equal access to public spaces. Opposition parties must be allowed to campaign freely in all parts of Benue without fear of attack or denial of venues.
We in the PDP remain committed to peace, issue-based campaigns and democratic participation. We will continue to reject bitterness and violence.
But we will not accept a situation where the government preaches peace in public while tolerating violence in practice.
Governor Alia asked Benue people to judge by performance. We agree. Let his performance on peace be judged not by his speeches at burial ceremonies, but by the safety of every citizen, the freedom of every party to campaign and the neutrality of every institution of state.
Peace must be practical. It must not be lip service, it said.
