The Benue State Government has said it has no plan to disrupt the planned visit of Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to the state, describing claims to the contrary as false.
In a statement on Tuesday by its Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, the state government said it received with dismay the allegation by the NDC governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija, that it was plotting to disrupt the visit.
It called the claim baseless and mischievous, saying it was speculation presented as fact and was meant to prepare the ground for a familiar script: stage a disruption, blame the government and win sympathy.
According to the government, this amounts to political content creation rather than truth-telling.
The government stressed that Benue is a land of hospitality where every Nigerian is free to move around, including those seeking votes. It said it has no reason to fear any visitor.
It added that Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering projects people can see and touch, and has no time for distractions.
It argued that no government working as hard as his would risk destroying its own achievements through disorder.
The government also reminded the NDC that the memory of the Yelwata tragedy remains sacred to the people of the state, and that it mourns with the victims’ families every day.
It cautioned against turning that grief into a political stage, or using a visit meant to console the bereaved as material for a publicity campaign.
The statement said the government is responsible for the safety of every visitor to the state and takes precautionary measures to ensure peaceful movement and interactions.
It urged the NDC to make sure its own supporters and associates conduct themselves peacefully.
The government encouraged good and law-abiding citizens to ignore falsehoods and go about their lawful businesses without fear, adding that the Governor cares deeply for the state and will not allow anyone to disturb the peace or livelihoods.
It warned, however, that security agencies will deal firmly with any criminal-minded person who tries to cause disorder or disrupt the peace, whoever they work for.
