The Benue State Government has distanced itself from the rumoured plot by the state governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Terhemba Shija, that the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government was plotting to disrupt Mr Peter Obi’s visit to Benue on Wednesday.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, in a statement, described the allegation as 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.
“Benue is a land of hospitality, and every Nigerian is free to move within it, including those who seek our votes. The government has no reason to fear any visitor.
“The Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. 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.
“We also remind the NDC that the memory of the Yelwata 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”.
The state government urged the NDC to ensure its own supporters and associates conduct themselves peacefully.
The government also encouraged the good and law-abiding citizens of the state to ignore falsehoods and go about their lawful businesses without fear, as the Governor cares deeply for the state and will not allow anyone to disturb the peace or livelihoods.
