Emmanuel Calls For Peace, Unity, Responsible Politics In Benue, Nigeria

The Chief Media Officer to the Executive Director (Housing Finance and Account), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, Mase Emmanuel, has called on political, religious, traditional and community leaders, as well as citizens across Benue State and Nigeria, to embrace peace, tolerance, dialogue and unity.

Emmanuel made the call in a statement titled “Let Love Lead: A Call for Peace in Benue State and Nigeria,” stressing that hatred, violence and division cannot provide lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the country.

Quoting the late American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., Emmanuel said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

He described peace as more than the absence of conflict, saying it requires mutual respect, forgiveness, dialogue and the pursuit of justice without destroying the bonds that unite society.

According to him, Benue State is blessed with hardworking, resilient and hospitable people whose strength lies in community, culture and a shared determination to build a better future. He, however, warned that fear, suspicion, bitterness and violence could undermine the state's development if allowed to dominate public life.

Emmanuel urged citizens to see political, religious, ethnic and social differences as opportunities for constructive engagement rather than reasons for hostility.

“Democracy permits disagreement, but disagreement should never become a licence for hatred or violence. We can disagree without destroying one another. We can compete politically without becoming enemies,” he said.

With another political season approaching, he called on political leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote restraint, responsible citizenship and peaceful political participation.

He also appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, urging them instead to channel their energy and creativity into productive ventures, community development and nation-building.

Emmanuel further urged traditional and religious institutions to use their influence to promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, stressing that places of worship, traditional institutions, community platforms and political forums should serve as instruments of healing rather than division.

He called on government at all levels to strengthen security, justice, dialogue and inclusive development, while ensuring that victims of injustice and vulnerable communities have credible avenues for redress and protection.

The FHA media officer noted that peace is also essential for economic development, pointing out that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts education and farming, and makes it difficult for businesses and communities to thrive.

He said Benue's fertile land, human resources, youthful population and rich cultural heritage could support significant development if the state maintains an atmosphere of peace and stability.

Emmanuel similarly urged Nigerians to view the country's ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

He called on citizens to choose love over hatred, dialogue over violence, forgiveness over revenge and unity over division.

“Let us allow peace to reign in Benue State. Let us allow peace to reign across Nigeria,” he said, expressing hope that the present generation would be remembered for building bridges and promoting peace rather than deepening existing divisions.

He concluded with a call for collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

Mase Emmanuel is the Chief Media Officer to the Executive Director (Housing Finance and Account), Federal Housing Authority, Abuja.I