Benue govt has no plan to disrupt Obi’s visit – Commissioner

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has dismissed allegations that it is planning to disrupt the proposed visit of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to the state.

The NDC governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, had raised an alarm alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State was plotting to disrupt Obi’s visit to Yelewata community in Guma LGA, where he intends to sympathise with the families of those killed by herdsmen last year.

The government described the allegation as false and unfounded, insisting that it has no intention of interfering with the visit.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday, said the allegation was speculative and intended to create unnecessary tension and portray the government negatively.

The statement read: “Benue State Government has received with dismay the allegation by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, that it is planning to disrupt the visit of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the state.

“This allegation is false, baseless and mischievous. It is speculation dressed up as fact, and it is meant to prepare the ground for a familiar script to stage a disruption, blame the government, and harvest sympathy. This is political content creation, not truth-telling.”

Iorpev said Benue is a land of hospitality, and every Nigerian is free to move within it, including those who seek our votes, saying: “The government has no reason to fear any visitor. The Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering projects that Benue people can see and touch.

“He has no time for distractions, and no government that is working like he is doing would risk destroying its own achievements through disorder.”

The commissioner also cautioned the NDC against politicising the Yelewata tragedy, stressing that the suffering of victims and their families should not be turned into a platform for political campaigns or publicity.

According to him, the state government remains committed to protecting the lives of residents and visitors and will take necessary security measures to ensure that the visit, as well as other activities in the state, takes place peacefully.

He said: “We also remind the NDC that the memory of the Yelewata tragedy is sacred to us. We mourn with the families of the victims every day. No one should turn that grief into a political stage, and no one should use a visit meant to console the bereaved as material for a publicity campaign.

“Government is responsible for the safety of every visitor to the state and takes precautionary measures to ensure peaceful movement and interactions.”

He urged the NDC leadership to ensure that its supporters and associates conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of disturbing public peace.

The state government also encouraged citizens to ignore the falsehoods and go about their lawful businesses without fear, assuring them that it cares deeply for the state and will not allow anyone to disturb their peace or livelihoods.

The state government also warned that security agencies will deal firmly with any criminal-minded person who attempts to cause disorder and disrupt the peace, whoever they work for.