The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, on Sunday urged his supporters not to retaliate over the alleged burning of campaign materials belonging to his movement, Benue First
Aondoakaa, who condemned the alleged burning of his campaign materials by an opposing politician at the weekend, however, urged his supporters across the 23 Local governments Areas of the state to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding
In a statement, the governorship candidate said no act of provocation, regardless of how painful or offensive, should make his supporters abandon the principles of peace, justice, tolerance and rule of law upon which the campaign was founded
“I therefore call on all my supporters across the 23 local government areas of our dear state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding Do not retaliate. Do not destroy anyone’s campaign materials. Do not engage in violence,” he said.
Aondoakaa said the movement would not allow the alleged incident to distract it from its campaign message, stressing that politics should be about ideas, solutions and service rather than hatred, intimidation and violence
He said those seeking to provoke his supporters into violence were only trying to create confusion and distract the movement from its message, urging them not to give such persons the opportunity
He noted that the strength of Benue First does not lie in posters, banners or billboards but in the conviction of the people and their shared vision for a safer and more prosperous state
“Campaign materials can be destroyed, but the aspirations of the people cannot be burned The desire for peace cannot be set ablaze. The demand for good governance cannot be intimidated into silence,” he said.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation further urged his supporters to respect the law, opponents and democratic process, saying their conduct should demonstrate the values the movement represents
He added that Benue deserved politics that would unite rather than divide the people, protect rather than persecute, and offer hope rather than fear
Aondoakaa said he remained committed to justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence, urging his supporters to resist every temptation to retaliate
“Let our conduct speak louder than their actions Let our commitment to peace be our answer to intolerance. Let our faith in democracy be stronger than any attempt to undermine it,” he said.