The Benue State Government has said it received with dismay the allegation by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, governorship candidate, Prof Terhemba Shija, that it was planning to disrupt the visit of the party's presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to the state on Wednesday.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev.
He said: " The allegation is false, baseless and mischievous. It is speculation dressed up as fact, and it is meant to prepare the ground for a familiar script to stage a disruption, blame the government, and harvest sympathy. This is political content creation, not truth-telling."
Iorpev said Benue is a land of hospitality, and every Nigerian is free to move within it, including those who seek our votes.
"The government has no reason to fear any visitor. The Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is focused on rebuilding the state, restoring security and delivering projects that Benue people can see and touch.
"He has no time for distractions, and no government that is working like he is doing, would risk destroying its own achievements through disorder.
"We also remind the NDC that the memory of the Yelwata tragedy is sacred to us. We mourn with the families of the victims every day. "
Iorpev said no one should turn that grief into a political stage, and no one should use a visit meant to console the bereaved as material for a publicity campaign.
"Government is responsible for the safety of every visitor to the state and takes precautionary measures to ensure peaceful movement and interactions.
"We therefore urge the NDC to ensure its own supporters and associates conduct themselves peacefully."
He said the Benue State Government encourages the good and law-abiding citizens of the state to ignore falsehoods and go about their lawful businesses without fear.
Iorpev said the Governor cares deeply for the state and will not allow anyone to disturb the peace or livelihoods.
"Let no one be left in doubt though, security agencies will deal firmly with any criminal-minded person who attempts to cause disorder and disrupt the peace, whoever they work for."