By Amos Aar
CLERGYMEN under the auspices of Charismatic Bishops of Nigeria has called on politicians to fulfil their campaign promises after elections so that there will be no crisis.
This is contained in a communiqué issued following a meeting of pastors from the 23 local government areas of Benue State.
In the communiqué, which was read to journalists on Tuesday at IBB Square, Makurdi by the Secretary General, Charismatic Bishops of Nigeria, Archbishop designate Chivir Chiason, the clerics called on political actors in the state to sheathe their swords to pave the way for development.
Perturbed by the political rivalries rocking the state, Chiason said the clerics had gathered for a couple of days for corporate fasting, ‘praying and seeking the face of the Lord for peace, harmony, economic prosperity and progress in Benue State’ noting that they were glad that God was answering their prayers.
“As regards the recent imbroglio that has visited the political class in the state which is negatively affecting governance and peaceful coexistence and based on feedbacks that we have received from our co-labourers in the various local government areas, we have observed that the root cause of the political turmoil which is threatening our survival as one people is the fact that political office seekers have been found to be very unwilling to keep to their promises and commitment immediately after they are elected into office. This trend does not go down well with those who labour very hard and use their political capital and resources to support and ensure the victory of these political office seekers.
“We humbly call on the political class to henceforth endeavor to be men of their words for the sake of integrity,” the communiqué read in part.
The clerics, while praying for National Assembly members from Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Benue State Government to succeed, they also condemned any alleged attempt to cause the removal of any Benue indigene from federal position, be it elective or appointive.
“We are calling on the political class to please render whole-hearted support to Benue sons and daughters who are privileged to be elected or appointed to serve at the federal level in Nigeria.
“It makes no rational sense for anyone in Benue to nurse the idea of plotting for the failure or removal of Benue sons and daughters who are serving at the National/Federal level.
“We sincerely pray for all those who are representing Benue State at the National & Federal Level beginning with the SGF, His Excellency, Senator George Akume CON to be very successful in their entire endeavor and to keep making us proud. We also pray for Benue State Government that God will give them wisdom and positive direction as they pilot the affairs of Governance in Benue State.
“We are also appealing to the political class to maintain the culture and principle of internal democracy in their various political parties. A situation where political parties no longer respect the rule of law, especially in the dispensation of political justice is not palatable and could lead to countless battles and tragedies in our society here in Benue State.
“It is noteworthy that Benue State is known for politics which is predominantly an emerging preoccupation of our sons and daughters; party officials in Benue communities often depend on the
take home from their elected positions in the party to feed, clothe, pay hospital bills and school fees for their children and wards.
“Any attempt to shift the goalposts in the middle of the game or unlawfully dispossess party officials out of their hard-earned positions would normally be met with stiff resistance and opprobrium.
“We are therefore calling on every son and daughter of Benue State to give peace a chance and do their best to see that we prosper together.
“We wish to use this opportunity to thank our illustrious son of the soil, Leader and father H.E Senator Dr. George Akume CON and H.E Hon. Mrs. Regina Akume JP+ for all their magnanimity and for extending their good will to servants of God in Benue State and Beyond,” the communiqué further read.
