•Hyacinth Alia and Peter Obi
Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has distanced himself and his administration from the visit of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.
There have been speculations that Obi, who regularly visited Benue during the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ortom, is expected in Makurdi, the state capital, today, reports The Nation.
Sources revealed that Obi is also scheduled to visit the Tiv paramount ruler, HRM Tor Tiv, Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abagena, Udei, Guma Local Government Area.
However, in a statement released today by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, the Benue state government made it clear that it is not involved in or connected to the visit.
The statement by reads: “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.
“He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.
“Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.
“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).
“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”
