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By Tracy Moses
MAKURDI – The Benue State chapter of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has expressed strong disapproval of calls by some clergy members for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyegh, the State Overseer of the Charismatic Bishops, made this known during a press briefing held in Makurdi on Saturday. He criticized the proposal, stating that rather than calling for an emergency rule, religious leaders should be offering spiritual support and interceding in prayer for the Governor.
According to Archbishop Nyoonkyegh, Governor Hyacinth Alia is not only a fellow clergyman but also a “brother in the vineyard” who deserves the prayers, unity, and encouragement of all genuine men of God for the progress of Benue State.
He emphasized that scriptures urge believers to respect and obey those in authority, pointing out that leadership is divinely ordained.
Citing the situation in Rivers State, he cautioned against unrealistic expectations that a state of emergency would automatically lead to the appointment of a Benue indigene as a sole administrator.
“We must desist from entertaining ideas of military intervention or advocating for emergency rule in Benue,” he said. “Even if the military steps in, there’s no guarantee a Benue son would be installed to oversee the state. Look at Rivers — the sole administrator appointed was not even from the state.”
The Archbishop added, “As spiritual leaders, when one of us is in leadership and doing well, it is our duty to encourage him. Not long ago, we raised alarm over insecurity in the state, and our concerns were justified.
“Fr. Alia remains our brother in this vineyard and we will keep lifting him in prayer. The Bible teaches that all authority comes from God, and we are called to submit to those in authority. Yes, we are prophets, but we must also show respect to earthly leadership.”
He further acknowledged Governor Alia’s developmental strides, stating that apart from the ongoing insecurity challenges, which the Governor is actively addressing, there have been no major failings on his part.
“What crime has he committed that warrants such drastic calls? He is working, and we are witnessing his efforts,” he stated.
Archbishop Nyoonkyegh also praised President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the state, especially in light of his directive to the Chief of Army Staff to move operations to Benue and tackle the worsening security issues head-on.