The Benue State Government has officially refuted media reports claiming that Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, has relocated to Makurdi to personally lead military operations against bandits in the region.
Matthew Oga, Commissioner for Power and Transport, made this clarification during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, emphasizing that the Defence Chief's recent visit to the state was purely personal and not indicative of any permanent move.
Purpose of the Defence Chief's Visit
"The visit of the Chief of Defence Staff to Benue State was not a relocation. He came on a personal visit," Oga stated. "During his visit, he held a closed-door meeting with His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, followed by an expanded session with security agencies."
According to the commissioner, General Oluyede also visited Naka to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of a recent attack before returning to Abuja the following day. Oga added that the Defence Chief's visit "brought goodwill, comfort, and reassurance to the people of Benue," noting that he promised to increase military presence in the state and acknowledged the security concerns raised.
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Political Tensions in Benue State
The commissioner also addressed ongoing political tensions within the state, dismissing calls for a state of emergency. He accused those advocating for such measures of undermining democratic values and refusing to acknowledge Governor Alia's leadership.
"Some individuals have failed to accept that there's a new sheriff in town," Oga remarked. "The APC, as a party, recognizes the sitting governor as its leader in any state. Governor Alia is no exception."
Describing himself as one of the oldest members of the APC in Benue, Oga 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.
"Leadership in the APC resides with the sitting governor. Attempts by some to act as overlords or challenge this arrangement are misplaced," he emphasized.
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. The working committee has publicly reaffirmed his role through votes of confidence," he concluded.
