The Benue Government has denied allegations that it plans to disrupt the visit of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, described the allegation by the party’s governorship candidate, Terhemba Shija, as false, baseless and mischievous.
Iorpev stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi.
He accused the NDC of attempting to create a false narrative to portray the government as responsible for any possible disruption and attract public sympathy.
According to him, the government has no reason to fear Obi’s visit, stressing that Benue remains a hospitable state where every Nigerian is free to move around and engage with residents.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia was focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering infrastructure and other development projects.
“The Governor has no time for distractions, and no government that is working like he is doing would risk destroying its own achievements through disorder,” he said.
The commissioner cautioned the NDC against politicising the Yelewata tragedy, stressing that the suffering of victims and their families should not be turned into political publicity.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors to the state, adding that necessary measures would be taken to guarantee peaceful movement and interactions.
Iorpev urged the NDC to ensure that its supporters and associates conducted themselves peacefully during the visit.
He also called on residents to disregard what he described as falsehoods and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
The commissioner warned that security agencies would deal firmly with anyone attempting to cause disorder or undermine peace, irrespective of political affiliation.
Obi is expected to visit Yelewata community on Wednesday as part of his engagements in Benue.
