By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has embraced the counsel of the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, regarding the urgent need to tackle insecurity in the state.
National Record reported how Bishop Dugu had urged the governor to take swift action to protect the people of Benue from the ongoing Fulani invasion.
Bishop Dugu’s Save Our Soul (SOS) message was widely praised, particularly by opposition party members, for addressing the issue candidly.
In response to the public debate surrounding Bishop Dugu’s SOS, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Content Creation, Mr. Isaac Uzaan, issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying that the bishop’s cry was both appropriate and constructive.
Uzaan emphasised that in a politically sensitive environment, it is common for statements to be misinterpreted and used to fuel division.
He cautioned against politicising discussions that take place within the Church, stressing that Bishop Dugu’s message should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
He further stated that Governor Alia, as a Catholic priest, remains under the guidance of the Church and has every right to receive counsel from his spiritual leaders, regardless of his political role.
According to Uzaan, Bishop Dugu’s remarks were made in a fatherly capacity, offering guidance and encouragement to the governor in his efforts to address the pressing issue of herdsmen attacks.
He assured that Governor Alia welcomed the bishop’s advice with gratitude and is committed to intensifying efforts to safeguard the people of Benue.
He also warned against attempts to misrepresent the bishop’s words to create discord, affirming that the governor remains respectful and loyal to his religious mentors.
Furthermore, Uzaan stressed that ensuring the security of Benue communities is a collective responsibility and criticised those who remain silent in the face of ongoing attacks.
He condemned the spread of misinformation and political propaganda aimed at undermining the government’s security initiatives.
According to him, Governor Alia has consistently urged citizens to report suspicious activities, as sharing critical information is vital in the fight against insecurity. He dismissed politically motivated attacks on the governor as counterproductive, emphasising that unity and cooperation are essential in making Benue a safer place.
The statement entitled, “The Bishop Has Done Nothing Wrong,” reads:
“In a polarized political environment, it is common for politicians to use anything they see or hear to deepen divisiveness and add credence to their side.
“While this is going on in Benue State on secular issues, we must exercise some strict caution in our desperation to drag politics inside the sacred walls of the church.
“The advice of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu to the Governor of Benue State during his homily in a thanksgiving Mass at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Gbatse should not be seen through the lenses of politics.
“It is good to remember:
“1. that the Governor of Benue State is a Catholic priest, validly ordained and destined to work under the leadership of a Bishop who is the Chief shepherd of a Diocese.
“2. that his involvement into partisan politics does not stop him from receiving counseling from his fathers, the Bishops.
“3. that, as a father who wants to see his son succeeds, Bishop Dugu only gave advice and offered support to his son on an important matter of policy – the herdsmen invasion.
“4. that the Governor has since accepted the advice, appreciated the Bishop for his true guidance and mentorship, and he is up to work harder and give Benue people the result they desire.
“5. that any attempt by any politician to use the Bishop words to create a feeling of dislike between a father and a son is already on a failed mission. The Governor will forever remain humble, loyal, and submissive to his fathers.
“6. that the safety and protection of individuals or a community depends on the combined efforts and cooperation of everyone. Therefore, those who have remained unspoken in the still of the attacks on Benue communities do not have the interest of Benue people in their hearts.
“It is also not out of place to express concern over continuous sabotage and misinformation circulated by opposition groups to undermine the success of the ongoing fight against insecurity in Benue State.
“Governor Alia has always been appealing to Benue people to say something when they see or hear something. Sharing sensitive information is the major way through which Benue citizens can assist the government in this struggle.
“Propaganda, mischief, and blackmail sponsored by Abuja politicians against the Governor will be of no help to Benue people. We need to have to unite now to rid Benue of insecurity and make it a better place.”
