Benue State Government has refuted media reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the state capital.
Recall that major media platforms, including ISUIKWUATO VOICE NEWSPAPER reported that the CDS had relocated to Benue to personally lead military operations against bandits.
However, in an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, the Commissioner for Power and Transport, Matthew Oga, refuted the reports. He clarified that the Defence Chief’s recent visit was personal and not indicative of a permanent move.
“The visit of the Chief of Defence Staff to Benue State was not a relocation. He came on a personal visit.”
“During his visit, he held a closed-door meeting with His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The meeting was followed by an expanded session with security agencies,” Oga added.
“General Oluyede also visited Naka for an on-the-spot assessment of the recent attack before departing the state the next day.
“He is now back in his office in Abuja. Oluyede visit brought goodwill, comfort, and reassurance to the people of Benue,” Oga added.
The Commissioner noted that the Defence Chief promised to increase the military’s presence in the State. This was as he took note of the State’s security concerns.
Addressing ongoing political tensions in the State, Oga dismissed calls for a state of emergency.
This is as he accused those pushing the idea of undermining democratic values and refusing to acknowledge the leadership of Governor Alia.
He said, “Some individuals have failed to accept that there’s a new sheriff in town.”
“The APC, as a party, recognizes the sitting Governor as its leader in any State. Governor Alia is no exception,” Oga noted.
The Commissioner who described himself as one of the oldest members of the APC in Benue, called on former governors and others who have benefited from the current administration to respect the party’s internal structure and submit to the Governor’s leadership.
He stated that “Leadership in the APC resides with the sitting governor.
The Commissioner warned that attempts by some politicians to act as overlords or challenge this arrangement are misplaced.”
Oga stressed that any lingering divisions within the party would only be resolved when elected officials and political appointees, both in Abuja and within the state, acknowledge Governor Alia’s authority.
“So far, the Governor has maintained a cordial relationship with the party’s leadership,” he said.
He added that the State working Committee, SWC, has publicly reaffirmed Governor Alia’s role through votes of confidence.”