MESSAGE TO SUSWAM – IN 2027, BENUE PEOPLE WILL STONE ALIA WITH VOTES, NOT PEBBLES
…Sankera Rejects the Hypocritical Visit
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, visited Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala, the three local governments that make up the intermediate area known as Sankera, to “sympathize with the people” over the terrorist herders’ attacks and killings that took place in the area last month, leaving more than 100 people dead, many more injured, and thousands displaced from their ancestral homes.
Suswam hails from Sankera, particularly Logo. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives representing Sankera for two terms, later became the governor of Benue State due to the zoning arrangement that favoured Sankera, and recently served as a Senator representing Zone A, of which Sankera is a part.
As someone who has benefited greatly from the blessings of Sankera land, you would expect Suswam to be bothered when his people were attacked and killed in large numbers, and to rush to see the victims. But he did none of that. When he visited after a whole month had passed, he was more concerned about reports that his latter-day friend, Governor Alia, was stoned by angry and frustrated protesters in Ukum for abandoning them.
While addressing the people of Ukum, Suswam spent almost an hour talking about the protests and the stones allegedly thrown at Governor Alia’s motorcade. He was visibly angry and heavily tongue-lashed the traumatized people instead of consoling them. Suswam was clearly sent to Sankera by Governor Alia to blame the people for rejecting his visit and throwing stones at him.
*Lack of Empathy and Political Motives*
The 2023 defeated Senator showed no sympathy or empathy for the victims. It was all about politics and why the people have no respect for the office of the governor. He was apparently there to mock the people of Sankera and tell them how they would suffer the consequences of their actions against the governor.
*Failure to Condemn Terrorism*
Like his friend, Governor Alia, Senator Suswam did not utter a single word in condemnation of Fulani terrorists who have been attacking the people of the state. In a similar fashion to Alia, he blamed Sankera youths for being responsible for the bloodshed in the area. He accused them of colluding with Fulani gangs to perpetrate the killings. What an unfortunate thing to say about your own people, who have stood with you over the years!
But Gabriel Suswam and Governor Alia must know one thing: Sankera and indeed other Benue people will reject them in 2027 with votes, and no longer with stones! Alia is the most inhumane person to ever lead any state. He cares only about his second term. He is in cahoots with Fulanis to exterminate our people, but they have already failed.
*Our Resolve Against Insults and Deception*
Our people have taken enough insults from Governor Alia and the likes of Suswam, who are only interested in getting votes in 2027. We will deny them those votes. These leaders are inhuman and unsympathetic to our people and do not deserve our support.
*Stop Profiling Our Youths*
We also condemn the persistent profiling of our youths as killers of their own people. Governor Alia and Senator Suswam should know that posterity will judge each person according to their actions. They have stigmatized our courageous youths as killers to give them a bad name, so the youths can be arrested or even eliminated; but this will not last forever. Alia won’t be governor forever.
*2027 Elections*
The governor should forget about winning in 2027! Benue people will not vote for a man who has led the charge against them, accusing them of being killers while exonerating Fulani of all blame.
Benue people will vote for a governor who will stand with them through thick and thin.
Signed:
Comrade Paul Adekaa
Convener,
Save Benue Coalition (SBC).
