By Amos Aar
A group under the auspices of Benue Elders Defending Democracy in Nigeria (BEDDING) has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the 2023 general elections conducted in Benue State.
BEDDING, under the leadership of Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Canada, made its position known on the just concluded elections in a statement made available to the media in Makurdi.
The group cautioned losers against resorting to the courts and lawyers after the electorate have spoken through the ballot. They equally advised winners against mocking political parties that lost in the elections but to rather seek their support for development to be accomplished.
“We the elders can no longer tolerate the wasteful spending of Benue meagre resources at Election Tribunals and advise that we scale down quickly the spate of litigations associated with the elections.
“We state that except in a few voting units in Benue State, the elections reflected the true will of the people of Benue State to effect a regime and generational change in the politics of Benue State”, BEDDING observed and cautioned.
According to the statement, BEDDING which comprises voters, observers, party men and is non-politically affiliated has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) on its victory both at the federal and state levels and encouraged losers to exhibit patriotism, humility and maturity by joining hands with those who have won for the common good of the state.
“All abusive political songs, videos and jingles should be stowed away for another four years or forever”.
They particularly congratulated the Governor-Elect in Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, Senators and all other winners and commended INEC for conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“We congratulate the newly elected and re-elected Senators and National Assembly members. We congratulate the newly elected Governor Hyacinth Alia of the APC and State Assembly Members elect. The Benue people have opted for a new political order with high expectations.
“We commend INEC in Benue under the leadership of Prof. Sam Egwu for successfully, impartially and efficiently carrying out its mandate in Benue State through the enfranchisement of the people of Benue State. Most Benue votes mattered”, the statement reads in part.
