Chairman, Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, has placed a curse on politicians plotting to instigate violence in the state before, during or after the 2019 general elections.
The paramount ruler placed the curse yesterday while speaking at the signing of a peace pact by governorship candidates in the state, an event organised in Makurdi by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The monarch, who charged politicians to shun any act capable of causing a crisis in the state, also said there is no sacrifice too much to ensure peace in the state.
The paramount ruler explained that the program was a right step in the right direction stressing that Benue State desired peace more than any other state in the country after all it had been through in the last one year.
“The traditional institution is committed to peace because we are at the receiving end. Whoever wants to cause chaos, the land will be against such a person.
“We are here to talk about peace ahead of the forthcoming general elections. If there are any people who desire peace, it is Benue. We have suffered a lot. That is why we are talking peace.
“We as traditional rulers live with the people and we know the pains they go through. We feel the pain when we are faced with violence. We are totally committed to peace in Benue and we are prepared to pay the price to ensure peace.
“That is why we have taken the step to be apolitical in our dealings. We have suffered long enough. The ceremony is important but the action that follows is more important. The peace pact should not end on papers but must be translated into real action.”
While charging the commission to ensure that the elections were free, fair and credible, Professor Ayatse said the losers would also be happy.
He further urged all the candidates to base their campaigns on issues.
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