Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, of ignoring established protocol during his visit to the state on Tuesday, describing the action as one that is “courting trouble” with the state government.
Iorpev made the remarks while reacting to the blockage of Obi’s convoy by some youths along Gboko Road in Makurdi. He stated that this was not the first time the former Anambra State governor had failed to officially notify the Benue State Government of his planned visit, despite his high-profile status.
“A high-profile person who has been a former governor of a state is coming into the state; he should have written a letter to the State Government,” Iorpev said. “We are supposed to guarantee his safety and protection, but in an instance where no letter was written, we could not guarantee his safety.”
“This is not the first time he is doing this. He is just looking for our trouble. We are peace-loving and hospitable people.”
The commissioner noted that Obi’s visit regrettably coincided with a meeting of youths drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. He said he was unaware of the identities of those who blocked the road.
“So, if they were coming from either Tarka, Gboko, Buruku, Ushongo, Konshisha or Vandeikya at the same time of his visit and blocked the road, it is unfortunate. I do not know the youths who did that,” Iorpev added.
Obi’s visit was reportedly intended to show solidarity with communities affected by the Yelewata killings. His convoy was stopped near the Air Force Base area, forcing a turnaround.
