The Benue State Government has publicly challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to name the specific government aide they accused of obstructing Obi’s convoy from entering Yelewata community in the state. The government insists that no official action was taken to block the convoy and demands concrete evidence before any accusations are accepted. Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, made the call during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, urging the opposition party to substantiate their claims with facts.
Kula stated that the state government had no prior knowledge of the incident when it occurred. He explained that officials only became aware after photographs of the alleged obstruction began circulating online. “The incident was completely unknown to the government until we started seeing pictures of what was happening,” he said. He emphasized that without clear identification of the alleged aide and supporting evidence, the accusations remain baseless.
He further challenged the NDC to name the individual involved, saying, “They mentioned a particular aide, and we said they should go ahead and mention him.” Kula stressed that if there is credible proof, the police commissioner should act swiftly to arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible. “These are easy assignments. They have the ability to do it,” he added, underscoring the government’s openness to a transparent investigation.
While addressing broader concerns about insecurity in Benue, Kula acknowledged the challenges faced by residents but noted that similar issues exist in other states across Nigeria. “What is happening in Benue State is somehow difficult to understand. What is happening to Benue State in respect to insecurity is happening to other states,” he said. However, he cautioned against complacency, stating, “It’s not peculiar to Benue. But there is no excuse saying that because it’s happening to other states, we should be comfortable.”
The governor’s spokesman affirmed that the state government remains vigilant and committed to reducing insecurity to the barest minimum. He highlighted that efforts have led to what can now be described as relative peace in the state. “We are not comfortable,” Kula reiterated, quoting the governor’s personal commitment to ensuring security for all citizens. He concluded by reiterating the administration’s readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to resolve any genuine allegations of misconduct.
This development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2023 elections, with security and governance emerging as key issues in public discourse. As the political landscape continues to evolve, transparency and accountability will remain critical in maintaining public trust.
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