The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, has urged his supporters to remain calm and resist any temptation to retaliate following the reported burning of campaign materials belonging to his political movement.
Aondoakaa, in a statement he personally signed on Saturday, expressed concern over reports and images of the destruction of campaign materials associated with his movement, BENUE FIRST, but called on his supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state to respond to the incident with peace and restraint.
He said no act of provocation should make his supporters abandon the principles of peace, justice, tolerance and respect for the rule of law upon which the campaign was founded.
“However, I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that no act of provocation, no matter how painful or offensive, should cause us to abandon the principles upon which our campaign is founded,” he said.
According to him, the movement was established on the belief that politics should focus on ideas, solutions and service to the people rather than hatred, intimidation or violence.
Aondoakaa specifically appealed to his supporters not to retaliate or destroy the campaign materials of political opponents.
“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.
The PDP candidate stressed that allowing themselves to be provoked into violence could undermine the values and objectives of the movement.
“The price of peace is far cheaper than the cost of violence. Peace builds; violence destroys. Peace unites; violence divides. Peace creates hope; violence leaves pain. No matter the provocation, let us choose peace,” Aondoakaa stated.
He alleged that attempts to provoke his supporters were aimed at distracting them from the campaign’s message and creating confusion, urging them not to provide an opportunity for such actions to succeed.
He said the strength of the BENUE FIRST movement was not dependent on campaign posters, banners or billboards but on the convictions and aspirations of its supporters.
“The strength of our movement christened BENUE FIRST does not lie in posters, banners, billboards, or campaign materials. Its strength lies in the conviction of the people, in our shared vision for a safer and more prosperous Benue, and in our collective determination to restore hope to our state,” he said.
Aondoakaa added that while campaign materials could be destroyed, the aspirations of the people could not be extinguished.
“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.
He further urged his supporters to respect the law, their political opponents and the democratic process, saying their conduct should demonstrate the values the movement represents.
“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.
The PDP candidate said he remained committed to justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence, adding that Benue deserved a political culture that promotes unity, protection and hope.
He urged his supporters to remain disciplined and focused, saying history would judge political actors by how responsibly they respond during moments of provocation.
“Let us choose the path of peace. Let us choose the path of justice. Let us choose the path of a better Benue,” Aondoakaa said.
