We, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the inhuman treatment of the immediate past Acting State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Benue State, Hon. Isaac Mffo and the immediate past State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Bemgba lortyom, following a petition written against the duo by former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam and his group who alleged that a statement Iortyom and Mffo had issued in their capacity as state officials of the PDP announcing his suspension had defamed him.
The arrest, detention and arraignment of these Hon. Mffo and Chief Iortyom represent not only an infringement on their fundamental human rights but also a blatant attack on the principles of democracy and internal party cohesion.
Senator Suswam’s decision to pursue legal action against Mffo and Iortyom is a clear violation of the spirit of the PDP, which is built on unity, respect for differing opinions, and constructive discourse.
It is disheartening to see a leader of the party who, during the recent State Expanded Caucus of the PDP in Makurdi, called for unity within the party but has now resorted to draconian measures against those who were only carrying out the duties assigned to them by the party.
The arrest, detention and arraignment of Mffo and Chief Iortyom further reflect a troubling intolerance that undermines the very values which our party stands for.
It is surprising that Senator Suswam, whose supporters have repeatedly written and published even more damaging remarks against other PDP leaders, is now dragging others to court alleging defamation. This is a hypocritical stance which has no place in a democratic society where freedom of expression is encouraged.
The likes of Terngu Tsegba and Prof Nicholas Ada who are known supporters of Senator Suswam have often castigated other leaders of PDP in apparent approval of their principal, yet, no one has petitioned against them or invited security operatives to apprehend them.
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Hon. Isaac Mffo and Chief Bemgba Iortyom. Their incarceration serves no purpose other than to instill fear among party members and create a climate of hostility.
We wish to remind Senator Suswam and his group that the peaceful resolution of the recent crisis within PDP cannot be achieved by silencing others who hold different views or by using security agents to arrest, intimidate, torture and detain innocent members of the party. It is crucial for the health of the PDP that we foster an environment where differing opinions are respected and debated rather than suppressed.
We further urge Senator Suswam to reflect on the implications of his actions and to prioritize the unity and strength of the PDP in Benue State over personal grievances. The time has come to uphold the values of justice, respect, and tolerance that are foundational to our party’s success.
Signed:
Hon. David Mzer
Hon. Bem Ortese
Hon. Aondona Isaka
