By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has denied allegations of a plot to disrupt the town hall meeting scheduled to be attended by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The State Commissioner for Information, Reorientation and Value Change, Chief Solomon Iorpev, dismissed reports suggesting that the government planned to disrupt the event, describing the allegations as unfounded and unsubstantiated.
Iorpev said Benue remained a hospitable state where Nigerians were free to move around, including politicians seeking the support of the electorate.
He maintained that the government had no reason to fear any visitor, adding that Governor Hyacinth Alia was focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering development projects.
According to him, the governor would not allow distractions or actions capable of undermining the achievements of his administration.
The Commissioner also cautioned the NDC against using the memory of the Yelwata tragedy for political publicity.
He said the state government continued to sympathise with families of the victims and urged political actors to treat their grief with respect.
“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,” he said.
Iorpev assured visitors that the government would take necessary security measures to guarantee their safety and ensure peaceful movement and interaction across the state.
He also urged the NDC to ensure that its supporters and associates conducted themselves peacefully during the visit.
The Commissioner called on law-abiding residents to disregard what he described as false reports and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
He, however, warned that security agencies would deal firmly with anyone attempting to cause disorder or disrupt public peace, irrespective of their political affiliation.