Benue: Traditional, religious leaders seek peaceful rerun

Traditional and religious leaders in Benue State have urged politicians to ensure violence-free polls in the forthcoming rerun election in the state scheduled for March 23.

They made the call yesterday in Makurdi at a one-day strategic town hall meeting aimed at promoting peaceful 2019 general elections, organised by the Christian Aid in collaboration with African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) with support of Start Network.

Speaking at the meeting, the paramount traditional head of Igede Kingdom, Adire’Igede1, CP. Ogar Ero (rted), urged all stakeholders, especially politicians, to abide by the culture of peace for societal development.

The royal father, represented by his wife, Esther Ogar, said: “When you imbibe the culture of peace, our society would be peaceful. Therefore, we in Benue State need peace before, during and after the elections and we must be firm. In my domain Oju and Obi, ideas, efforts and suggestions to ensure peace, harmony and mutual respect in the state that would guarantee peaceful coexistence will be embrace”.

Similarly, the traditional head of Gboko, Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shoson, represented by the district head of Mbakpar in Gboko, Chief Ikpa Ahua, said: “There is still tension in Benue state due to inconclusiveness of the last Saturday’s governorship election in the state, therefore, the meeting is very important because it will afford us the opportunity to go back homes to preach the message of peace.

“We must understand that conflict is not certainly something to manage if it is allow to occur. So we must try to prevent it from happening by preaching peace and unity. So, we must all work for good governance for our society irrespective of religious and ethnic background. We must all work to ensure the success of the remaining election.”

“The deputy Chief Imam of Otukpo Central Mosque, Alhaji Garba Hamza Attahiru, appealed to all stakeholders to eschew violence and embrace peace irrespective of party or religious affiliations.