The elders spoke on Thursday through the Chairman of G14, Dr Laha Dzever, and G9 Chief Elisha Amali during a press conference in Makurdi.

The PDP elders caution was a reaction to the APC elders press conference wherein they supported the removal of the Chief Judge and castigated all those against it.

The PDP elders urged other elders in the state to be statesmanly in their outings, especially on state issues.

Dzever said they found it disturbing that esteemed elders would choose to criticise the unassailable position of the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Aba Moro, whose statements were firmly rooted in the rule of law.

“The primary concern of elders is to embrace, support and promote peace, which is necessary for societal stability currently desired in our dear state, Benue. It is unelderly to do otherwise.

“We therefore advise that those in positions of authority should act with decorum and responsibility to promote genuine development, progress and prosperity for the entire people of Benue.

“Democracy thrives on the rule of law, not on the whims and caprices of any arm of government,” he said.

Dzever said that they were concerned about the actions of the Benue State House of Assembly and therefore advised them to return to status quo.

He said many of the suspended members of the assembly were PDP members and should be allowed to diligently discharge their duties.

“The judiciary, as a separate arm of government and a cornerstone of democracy, must not be diluted with politics.

“We advise the Benue State House of Assembly to act judiciously and responsibly, always ensuring that decisions concerning judicial officers are made with integrity and fairness but above all to be rooted in the rule of law and due process,” he said.

Dzever, who acknowledged the significance of good governance, urged the people to understand that blind allegiance does not amount to tangible improvements in the lives of the people.

“Our major challenge in Benue State now is insecurity.

“The APC government in the state and at the federal level should therefore concentrate largely on securing the state immediately.

“We equally emphasise the need for transparency and accountability in governance,”he added. (NAN)

Odefa was re-elected at the party’s South-East Zonal Delegates Congress held at Okpara Square, Enugu.

Also re-elected were Zonal Secretary, James Ugwu, Treasurer, Ochebu Regina, Financial Secretary, Mmadubike Okoro, while Igwe Augustina emerged Publicity Secretary.

Others included Nwankwo Obinna, Legal Adviser and Arodogu Ifeyinwa, Woman Leader, among others.

Announcing the result, the Chairman, Electoral Committee, Mr Funkekeme Solomon, returned them unopposed and described the exercise as peaceful and orderly.

Earlier, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State extolled the delegates for their resilience and comportment during the exercise.

While calling for unity among the party faithful, the governor disclosed that “South-East has always been PDP and carries its banner with immense pride.

“The rebirth we crave for our party can only be attained if we remained united,” the governor said.

The Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, called on the members not to fail the party, saying that he wanted to continue to see the colour of PDP in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the elected members, Odefa thanked the delegates for their confidence in them, promising that they would not let the party down.

“We have four years to right the wrong and I am appealing to others who felt aggrieved to come together to build PDP.

“I am also appealing to other stakeholders to support in funding the party,” Odefa said.

The election was attended by Enugu State Deputy Gov. Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, former Governor of Ebonyi, Sam Egwu, PDP National Secretary, Ude Okoye, members of the National and State Assemblies, Councils Chairmen, party chieftains and delegates from the five South-East states.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, on Wednesday, affirmed the expulsion of Odefa from the party.

The PDP Executive Committee at Odefa’s Ward of Oguduokwor, Oshiri Community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state, on Oct. 4, 2024, suspended him for alleged anti-party activities.

Delivering the judgment in a suit instituted by the ward executive committee of the party, Justice Hilary Oshomah, upheld the expulsion and granted all the reliefs sought. (NAN)