Benue State Government has refuted media reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to the state to personally lead military operations against bandits.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, the Commissioner for Power and Transport, Matthew Oga, 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,” 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,” he added.
According to the commissioner, 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. His visit brought goodwill, comfort, and reassurance to the people of Benue,” Oga added, noting that the Defence Chief promised to increase the military’s presence and took note of the state’s security concerns.
Addressing ongoing political tensions in the state, Oga dismissed calls for a state of emergency, accusing those pushing the idea of undermining democratic values and refusing to acknowledge the leadership of Governor Alia.
“Some individuals have failed to accept that there’s a new sheriff in town,” Oga said.
“The APC, as a party, recognizes the sitting governor as its leader in any state. Governor Alia is no exception,” he noted.
Oga, 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.
“Leadership in the APC resides with the sitting governor. Attempts by some to act as overlords or challenge this arrangement are misplaced,” he said.
He 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,” Oga added.
