The Benue State Government has set the record straight regarding recent media reports that sparked widespread speculation about the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, relocating to the state. According to Commissioner for Power and Transport, Matthew Oga, these reports are entirely unfounded. In a recent interview on Arise TV, Oga clarified that General Oluyede’s visit to Benue State was purely personal and not indicative of a permanent move to lead military operations against bandits.
Oga provided details about the Defence Chief’s visit, stating, “The visit of the Chief of Defence Staff to Benue State was not a relocation. He came on a personal visit.” During his time in the state, General Oluyede engaged in a closed-door meeting with Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, followed by an expanded session with security agencies. Additionally, he visited Naka to assess the aftermath of a recent attack before returning to his office in Abuja. This visit, according to Oga, brought “goodwill, comfort, and reassurance to the people of Benue,” with the Defence Chief pledging to boost the military’s presence and acknowledging the state’s security concerns.
Beyond the visit, Oga addressed the ongoing political tensions in the state, dismissing calls for a state of emergency. He accused those advocating for this measure of undermining democratic values and failing to recognize Governor Alia’s leadership. Oga noted, “Some individuals have failed to accept that there’s a new sheriff in town,” emphasizing that the APC party recognizes the sitting governor as its leader in any state, with Governor Alia being no exception.
As one of the oldest members of the APC in Benue, Oga urged 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 stressed that leadership within the APC resides with the sitting governor and that attempts to challenge this arrangement are misplaced. Oga believes that lingering divisions within the party can 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, with the working committee publicly reaffirming his role through votes of confidence.
This clarification and call for unity come at a critical time for Benue State, as it navigates both security challenges and internal political dynamics. The assurance of increased military presence and the reaffirmation of Governor Alia’s leadership are key steps towards addressing these issues and moving forward. As the state and its leaders work to find stability and progress, the importance of respecting democratic values and party structures cannot be overstated.
