The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, in Benue State,
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, (SAN) has appealed to his supporters not to retaliate the burning of his campaign materials by the opponent.
Aondoakaa while condemning the act said his campaign stood for peace, security, justice, tolerance, and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by Aondoakaa on Saturday, the governorship candidate said PDP presented itself to the people of Benue as a credible alternative, “because we believe politics should be about ideas, solutions, and service, not hatred, intimidation, or violence”
Aondoakaa said, “I have received reports and seen images of the burning of campaign materials belonging to our movement. Like many of you, I am deeply concerned by this unfortunate development. However, I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that no act of provocation, no matter how offensive, should cause us to abandon the principles upon which our campaign is founded”
“I therefore call on all my supporters across the 23 local government areas of our dear state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. Do not retaliate. Do not destroy anyone’s campaign materials. Do not engage in violence. Do not allow yourselves to be provoked into actions that will tarnish the noble cause we represent under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The statement added, “The price of peace is far cheaper than the cost of violence. Peace builds; violence destroys. Peace unites; violence divides. Peace creates hope; violence leaves pain. No matter the provocation, choose peace.”
“Those who seek to provoke us into anger and disorder have a purpose. They want to distract us from our message. They want to create confusion and paint everyone with the same brush. We must not give them that opportunity. We must disappoint those who expect us to respond with bitterness and violence.” Aondoakaa said.
