Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, has called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to immediately invite, investigate and arrest Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Mobilization, Terver Gbenda, over threats directed at supporters of other political parties in Otukpo.
According to the party in a press statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Bright Yima, the threats against Benue opposition parties by Gbenda are at orders from the governor himself.
The statement reads:
Reports in the public domain indicate that Gbenda, while addressing a gathering of youths believed to be associated with the “No Alia, No Benue” movement, issued threatening remarks against political opponents. These allegations are serious and deserve urgent scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
For some time now, Benue people have watched with growing concern what many perceive as an increasingly hostile attitude towards dissenting voices and political opposition. The allegations against Gbenda, if established, would represent a dangerous escalation of that trend and a direct assault on the democratic rights of citizens.
Democracy is not sustained by threats. It is sustained by tolerance, persuasion and respect for opposing views. Any attempt by public officials to intimidate citizens because of their political choices undermines the very principles upon which democratic governance rests.
What is particularly disturbing is that the Otukpo incident occurred shortly after the Benue State Police Command convened political parties, candidates and stakeholders to commit themselves to peaceful political conduct ahead of the 2027 elections. The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, specifically warned against political intolerance, violence and actions capable of disrupting public order.
The question therefore is straightforward: will those warnings apply equally to government officials and political appointees, or are they intended only for members of the opposition?
The law must not become a weapon used against critics while those aligned with government are shielded from accountability. Justice loses its meaning when it becomes selective. The credibility of law enforcement depends on its willingness to act without fear or favour.
We therefore demand the immediate invitation and investigation of Terver Gbenda. If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate legal action should follow. Anything less risks creating the impression that there are two sets of rules in Benue State: one for ordinary citizens and another for those connected to power.
We find it deeply troubling that at a time when the state is grappling with insecurity, economic challenges and growing public dissatisfaction, some government officials are focusing their energy on political opponents rather than the pressing concerns of the people.
PDP also warns that the continued shrinking of democratic space through alleged intimidation, harassment and threats poses a serious danger to political stability. Democracy flourishes where citizens are free to speak, organize and participate without fear. It suffers when fear becomes a political tool.
We urge security agencies to rise above partisan considerations and demonstrate that no individual is above the law.
Let it be clearly understood: the PDP will not be intimidated, silenced or bullied out of its constitutional role as the leading opposition party in Benue State. We shall continue to lawfully hold government accountable, speak for the people and offer alternatives to the current administration.
Benue State does not belong to a handful of political appointees. It belongs to all its people. No one has the right to monopolize the political space or intimidate those who think differently.