Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strongest terms the disturbing action captured in a viral video showing the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, directing his supporters to pour petrol on and burn campaign T-shirts bearing the image of the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN.
This condemnation was contained in a press statement signed by Bright Yima, the PDP state Publicity Secretary in Benue state.
The statement reads:
What Benue people witnessed in the said video was not merely the burning of campaign materials. It was a symbolic attack on democracy, political plurality and the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate with and support candidates of their choice.
It is alarming that such a thuggish act is coming from the Speaker of the State Assembly, a man expected to uphold the law, defend democratic values and promote peaceful coexistence among the people, regardless of political affiliation.
This development did not occur in isolation. It is part of an emerging pattern of intolerance, intimidation and hostility towards dissenting voices. Benue people will recall previous statements attributed to Speaker Emberga in which he publicly encouraged supporters to confront critics of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
This is not the first time Berger is inciting people into violence. The other time he was seen telling his supporters that if anyone criticizes Governor Alia, even if the person is in a church, the church event should be disrupted.
The public may also recall that Governor Alia has at different times threatened to cut off the fingers of his critics and also bite and chew the hands of those who disagree with him. Living the true meaning of its character, appointees and supporters of the Alia administration has on many occasions disrupted public gatherings including those in churches.
The Speaker and Governor Alia are on the same page as intolerant leaders who have no business being in government to lead a state with diverse political camps and views. Alia himself has at different times threatened to cut the finger of anyone who criticizes his administration.
The PDP is particularly disturbed because the action displayed in the viral video bear all the dangerous hallmarks of political extremism targeting members of the opposition in the state.
Alfred Emberga has reduced the office of Speaker to that of a rubber stamp, surrendering the independence and dignity of the Benue State House of Assembly in exchange for blind loyalty to Governor Hyacinth Alia. Rather than providing leadership or championing the interests of the people, he has chosen to encourage divisive and irresponsible conduct among youths while remaining silent on the issues that truly matter to Benue people.
As communities across the state continue to suffer relentless attacks, with thousands displaced from their homes and farmlands, Speaker Emberga has failed to demonstrate even the slightest sense of urgency or compassion. Under his watch, the Benue State House of Assembly has not taken any meaningful legislative action to address the worsening security crisis, halt the bloodshed, or facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes. The Assembly has become a spectator while Benue bleeds.
Even more disturbing is his indifference to the deepening poverty and hardship confronting the people. Families are struggling to survive, businesses are collapsing, and unemployment continues to rise, yet Speaker Emberga appears more interested in defending the failures of the Alia administration than holding the executive accountable. Instead of serving as a check on government excesses, he has chosen to function as its chief praise singer.
His silence over Governor Alia’s prolonged absence from the state further exposes his misplaced priorities. While Benue grapples with insecurity, economic hardship, and widespread public dissatisfaction, the Governor is away in the United States, claiming to be attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), despite the fact that he was neither invited nor included in Nigeria’s official delegation.
The question before Benue people today is simple: What message is the Speaker sending to his followers when campaign materials belonging to a political opponent are publicly burnt? What message is being sent to young people when elected leaders resort to acts that can inflame passions and deepen divisions?
Democracy is not sustained by threats. It is not defended by intimidation. It is not strengthened by the destruction of political symbols. Democracy flourishes through debate, persuasion, tolerance and respect for differing opinions.
We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident.
We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally take note of this development and closely monitor the conduct of political actors in Benue State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Governor Alia must also publicly clarify his position. Silence in the face of such conduct will rightly be interpreted as approval. The people of Benue should be told whether this politics of hostility and intimidation reflects the values of the present administration.
Let it be known that the PDP will not be cowed. We will not be intimidated. We will not be provoked into abandoning our commitment to peaceful democratic engagement.
Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN and all other PDP candidates for the 2027 elections in the state remain focused on offering Benue people a credible alternative vision anchored on security, economic revival, unity and good governance. No amount of intimidation can distract our candidates from the growing demand among Benue people for answers to the pressing challenges facing our state.
The burning of campaign T-shirts will not burn away the hardship confronting the people. It will not reopen abandoned farmlands. It will not create jobs. It will not improve security. It will not silence legitimate questions about governance.
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, AONDOAKAA WILL BE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE IN 2027.