Benue Patriotic Alliance has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of plans to islamize Benue State by ensuring emirs and ardos are installed in the state if the party wins the governorship election.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Asom Thomas, the group said it is an agreement Akume and Alia reached with the president-elect, BolaTinubu.
The statement reads: “We have it on good authority that the All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue State through the leader, Senator George Akume and its Governorship candidate, Hyacinth Alia have agreed to build a mosque beside the Chapel in Government House, Makurdi if APC wins the governorship election.
“The agreement reached between the APC leaders in Benue state and the president-elect Bola Tinubu and his Deputy, Kashim Shettima is to pave the way for an Imam to be permanently stationed in Government House to be holding daily worship sessions for Muslims around the state seat of power.
“Sources have it that part of the plot is to install the Emir of Makurdi and Ardos in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, a situation which is targeted at forceful conversion of the people.
“We want to make it clear that this is the height of insensitivity and desperation as it comes on the heels of several acts of mockery and lack of empathy for the Benue people who have suffered so much anguish in the hands of marauding Fulani terrorists who have never hidden their involvement in the incessant massacre of innocent Benue farmers in their communities.
Read Also: Gemade not new APC National Chairman, says media aide
“Recall that a some days ago, the Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM celebrated the outcome of the National Assembly Election in Benue state and called on the people to vote for the APC in the Governorship election if they wish to enjoy peace in their communities.
“Also worrisome is the fact that two governors in the north-west have been in the forefront of sponsoring the APC Governorship candidate after he allegedly promised to abolish the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state as well as donate land to Fulanis in the 23 Local Governments of the state for settlement and open grazing.
“That Akume and Alia are going into this unholy alliance with enemies of the state who have openly shown their desire to chase the people out by way of killings and displacement and annex their land should worry any right-thinking Benue man or woman.
“The people have suffered terrible agony due to the senseless acts of Fulani terrorists who have made the state a killing field and have displaced millions of people after taking thousands of lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.
“It is therefore incumbent on the people to reject the APC at the forthcoming governorship election as a vote for the evil party would mean booking an appointment with death and slavery.
“We also wish to remind Akume and Alia that political power is transient and posterity never forgets. They shall one day regret if they don’t desist from the desperate moves to mortgage the lives and heritage of the people for temporary political gains.
“For those who are now supporting the evil machinations of the enemies within for whatever reasons, they must be aware that the unintended consequences of their actions or inaction may not spare them.
“We therefore urge the people irrespective of their political affiliations to stand up and defend their land and heritage with their votes or live to regret their failure to make the right choices at the right time.”
