A prominent Benue indigene, Dr. Dominics Akaahan, has called on citizens of the state to desist from attacking the Tor Tiv, Professor James I. Ayatse, over his recent comments on the state’s political future, stressing that the paramount ruler deserves respect and should not be dragged into partisan quarrels.
Dr. Akaahan, in a statement titled “Stop Vilifying Tor Tiv,” explained that the monarch only exercised his traditional right by urging politicians to focus on leadership and development rather than resorting to threats and divisive rhetoric.
According to him, the Tor Tiv’s words were wrongly twisted by some critics. “His Royal Majesty merely made it clear that votes are not decided by threats or empty rhetoric. He gave the power back to the electorate, who remain the ultimate deciders of the 2027 governorship race,” Akaahan stated.
He warned against the culture of mocking and labeling the traditional ruler with derogatory titles, describing it as an affront to the institution of the Tiv throne.
Turning to politics, Dr. Akaahan commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his “commendable stewardship,” noting that while the governor may lack the finesse of a seasoned politician due to his background as a clergyman, his performance should speak for him at the polls.
“Alia has his shortcomings in political public relations, but that is no reason to fan discord. Instead of bitterness, aggrieved politicians should contribute ideas and align with him in the interest of Benue people,” he urged.
Dr. Akaahan further revealed that Governor Alia himself had expressed openness to competition ahead of 2027. “The governor told me personally that anyone interested in contesting should join the race and allow the people of Benue to decide their leader through democratic scrutiny.”
He concluded by calling on politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns rather than character assassination, emphasizing the need for “politics without bitterness.”
