The Benue Government cautioned the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi against politicizing the Yelewata tragedy, stressing that the suffering of victims and their families should not be turned into political publicity.
The Benue State Government said this while denying claim that it was planning to disrupt the visit of Obi to the state tomorrow, Wednesday.
NDC governorship candidate, Terhemba Shija had in a statement appealed to the Benue government not to disrupt the visit.
He also claimed that earlier visit of the NDC presidential candidate to Benue was disrupted by political thugs loyal to the state government.
But Benue government, in a statement by its Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, described the allegation by Shija, as false, baseless and mischievous
Iorpev, in the statement, 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 Gov. 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 also 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, however, 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.
(NAN)
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