The Benue State Government has described claims by the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi of being blocked by thugs from entering the State capital as totally unfounded and desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within his party.
It described Governor Alia as a peace-loving Reverend gentleman, who is averse to the promotion of thuggery, stressing that his administration does not engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
The State government also said that Governor Alia is consistently committed to the rule of law and relies on recognized security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.
It therefore rejected, in the strongest terms, the claims by Obi that he was blocked by thugs working for the Benue State government from accessing Yelewata to console with families of 2025 attacks.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, emphatically denied that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.
It stated that based on Mr. Peter Obi’s antecedents of making untrue statements against the state, the State government has every reason to doubt whether he visited Makurdi, the state capital today.
The statement further stated; “Let it be known that Mr. Peter Obi is not a threat to Governor Alia in any way. Even if he actually visited the state, and we realized that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs.
“It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement.
“Ordinarily, such a visit would attract the attention and necessary security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies,” it stated.
The Benue state Government further said that it found it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the State Government, and Governor Alia in particular.
It said; “If Mr. Obi is confronted with disagreements or internal political challenges within his party structure in Benue State, those issues should be resolved within the party rather than being conveniently transferred to the State Government.
“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists. Its attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State,” it stated.
The statement therefore urged the public to disregard the allegations linking the State Government to any incident that happened around the NDC Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
It emphasized that Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.
