FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue Association of Former Elected Local Government Council Chairmen (BAFELCC) has dismissed a petition submitted by a group of gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area, describing it as misleading, politically motivated, and an attempt to drag the Church into partisan politics.
In a press statement issued by the chairman Hon. Steven Manta in Makurdi, the association said the petition was aimed at discrediting Governor Hyacinth Alia and creating unnecessary tension between the government and the Church.
Responding to allegations of desecration of church platforms, BAFELCC described the claims as a gross misrepresentation, noting that the governor, a Catholic priest, understands the sanctity of the altar and attends church events only upon invitation.
The group also addressed the January 18, 2026 incident at All Saints Catholic Church, Tsenge, stating that the governor’s remarks were taken out of context. According to the association, the comments were metaphorical and intended to encourage resilience and self-defense against insecurity, not a call to violence. It added that there was no evidence linking the remarks to any act of violence.
On the issue of Canon Law, the association criticized the petitioners for attempting to “weaponize” ecclesiastical principles for political gain, stressing that such matters remain the exclusive responsibility of church authorities.
BAFELCC further dismissed claims of a pattern of misuse of churches, describing them as speculative and unsupported. It maintained that the governor’s engagements in churches have largely been thanksgiving services and community interactions.
The association rejected suggestions that worshippers feel unsafe attending church services due to the governor’s presence, stating that his administration has consistently prioritized peace, security, and the welfare of citizens.
It also described allegations that clergy are intimidated as unfounded and disrespectful, emphasizing that the Catholic Church remains a well-structured institution capable of managing its own affairs.
According to the group, the petition was politically driven, accusing its signatories—whom it described as political actors—of exploiting religious sentiment to gain relevance. It warned that dragging the Church into politics could undermine its neutrality and threaten unity among Christians in the state.
In a related development, BAFELCC condemned what it termed the “collapse of political identity and discipline” among some governorship aspirants. It alleged that certain members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently attended a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus meeting at the residence of former Governor Samuel Ortom.
The association described the move as political duplicity and opportunism, raising concerns about loyalty and ideological consistency among aspirants seeking leadership positions.
It further warned that such actions could signal backroom deals and political trading, which it said undermine democratic principles and insult party loyalists.
BAFELCC concluded by calling on the public to reject the petition, urging political parties to enforce discipline and advising aspirants to conduct themselves with integrity.
The group reaffirmed its support for Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledging to mobilize grassroots backing for his administration and its development programmes, while stressing that Benue State deserves responsible leadership free from propaganda and political opportunism.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
