‘He is just looking for our trouble’ — Benue Commissioner slams Peter Obi

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, over the disruption of his convoy during a visit to the state on Tuesday.

Iorpev said the former Anambra State governor should have formally informed the Benue State Government before arriving, arguing that such notification was necessary because of Obi’s status as a former governor and prominent political figure.

According to the commissioner, the state government has a responsibility to provide adequate security for high-profile visitors. However, he said officials could not properly make such arrangements without prior information about the visit.

He said, “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.

“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’s comments came after some youths reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy as he tried to reach the Yelewata area of Benue.

Iorpev said he could not identify the youths involved or confirm who organised the blockade. However, he noted that the incident occurred as youths from the state’s 23 local government areas were arriving for a meeting.

He suggested that the simultaneous movement of the youths and Obi’s convoy may have played a role in the disruption.

“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,” the commissioner said.

Iorpev maintained that the Benue State Government remained committed to maintaining peace and welcoming visitors. He also stressed the importance of proper communication and security coordination during visits by prominent personalities.