The Benue State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the obstruction and prohibition of Thanksgiving and peaceful gatherings appointed by Governor Hyacinth Aria and the Local Government Chairman of the state.
This comes as the Chairman of the City Council, Mr. Victor Torsor Olumim, attempts to disrupt the thanksgiving ceremony in honor of the senator representing Benue North West, Mr. Titus Zam, which is being held at NKST Naka in Gwar West LGA. It was done after.
The PDP, through a statement by the party’s state spokesperson Tim Njoor, claimed that this was a blatant violation of the individual’s right to freedom of religion.
They argued that this development had become a pattern associated with the regime.
The statement reads: “We consider this a blatant violation of the people’s right to freedom of religion, a fundamental tenet of democracy.
“This sacrilegious deviation appears to have become a pattern since the inauguration of this administration.
“On Sunday, May 12, 2024, former Interim Chairman of Konshisha Local Government, Mr. Philip Aktua, led thugs to invade the Annunciation Catholic Parish in Tshwe Daka, Konshisha Local Government and disrupt the Thanksgiving Mass. Recall that, in honor of the Member representing Konshisha/Vandeykiya Federal Constituency of Benue Sate, Hon. Sesu Ikpagelu.
“The attack was supervised by the then Interim Chairman and Benue State Humanitarian and Disaster Management Director, Aondwase Kunde.
“A few weeks later, in the same Konshisha, former Interim Chairman of the Konshisha Local Government, Philippe Actua, led a group of thugs in an attempt to cancel a thanksgiving service in honor of Dr. Mathias Biyuan at NKST Agidi in the Konshisha Local Government. In the face of fierce resistance from the residents, people gathered and finally held a Thanksgiving festival.
“On June 30, 2024, the then Interim Chairman of Guma Local Government, Unongo Simon, attempted to cancel a thanksgiving and church building fundraiser at NKST Daudu in Guma Local Government, where the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, works. , former governor of the state, Sen. George Akume, was billed as a special guest.
“We all know that all efforts to stop Thanksgiving have failed because safety has been ensured and Thanksgiving and fundraisers have been successfully held for the glory of God.
“Also on July 26, 2024, a prayer service was canceled at NKST Ihu, Vandykya Local Government, where the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Udende, was present as a special guest. No church services were held that day either,” on that faithful Sunday, on the orders of Dennis Guda, then Interim Chairman of the Vandikiya Local Government and now Executive Chairman of the Local Government. .
“On July 5, 2024, before the ugly incident at NKST Aihu, the same Dennis Guda, along with some thugs, broke into the 40th Anniversary of the Priest/Church Construction and Monsignor Michael Nithole. Butter violently disrupted the Signor Award Ceremony held at the Divine Providence Parsonage in Bebe, Vandikiya Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Dr. Matthias Ibuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounting of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), attended this anniversary/celebration in his personal capacity and as a representative of the Secretary of the Federal Government (SGF).” , Senator George Acme.
“This trend must stop.
The people of Benue have a fundamental right to celebrate blessings and express gratitude to God without fear of government intervention.
“We call on all citizens to stand firm against this democratic despotism.”
