The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Sir Tersoo Kula, has said that the demolition taking place on designated road setbacks and rights of way in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, is part of the legitimate and well-supervised dualisation of the Makurdi–Enugu highway.
Sir Kula, who issued the statement at the heels of reactions generated following the demolition of affected structures on the road, was alerting the public to what he called “mischievous attempts by some desperate individuals to misrepresent the ongoing demolition exercise along the Wurukum–Yaikyor-Apir-Ikpayongo axis of Makurdi.”
Dozens of structures affected by the mapping of the road, including the perimeter fence of the African Democratic Alliance (ADC), Benue Industry and Property Company (BIPC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Yaikyor Market, and the Ahmed Bola Tinubu support group office in Makurdi, have been affected by the exercise.
A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, views the demolition of the perimeter fence of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu support group’s office as an affront on the president.
However, Sir Kula said, “It is mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicise the process by repainting, mounting billboards or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures, in an attempt to stir sentiment or blackmail the government.
“Let it also be clearly stated that the exercise is not limited to Makurdi. The dualisation extends from Makurdi to the Benue–Enugu boundary, while the Enugu State Government will continue from its boundary to the termination point of the project. This road project is being executed in phases.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics.”
He explained that “the ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimisation but necessary steps toward modernisation and the infrastructural renewal of our dear state.”
According to the CPS, “development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of distortion and political mischief. We appeal to well-meaning citizens to see the bigger picture; this project, once completed, will bring immense benefit to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia led administration remains committed to the rule of law, fairness, and the collective progress of all. Harbingers of falsehood should give way to truth and development.”
Others who reacted to the news of alleged victimisation, including Terfa Jirgba, Esq, a chieftain of ADC, and Agya Toranyiin, are shocked that a section of the Benue population would distort the facts of an exercise sanctioned by the Federal Government.
“I hate it when they make a case involving rich men deferent. They have demolished over 200 structures on the Makurdi‑Aliade road. The other day, I publicly confronted the MD of the Urban Development board, and he directed me to a man who represents the Federal Ministry of Works.
“The other day, Chief John Akperashi had his transformer nearly brought down by these same people, and no one gave a hoot. Just today, only the fence of the Tinubu campaign support group’s office was pulled down, and everyone is crying up and down. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” Jirgba said.
According to Agya, “even ADC Benue state office is affected, but because it’s a law-abiding organisation, they have accepted and welcomed it as a good development.”
