Benue Att∆ck: Apologise to Peter Obi – APC Tells Governor Alia.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has demanded an apology from Governor Hyacinth Alia over the attack and blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.

This was just as the party said the incident, which occurred on Tuesday as Obi travelled towards Makurdi, was capable of damaging the image of the APC and should not be allowed to become associated with the party.

The APC also called on Alia to tender apology to Obi, President Bola Tinubu, the people of Benue State and the party over the incident.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, said the government was not informed about the visit, while the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, had earlier expressed doubts about Obi’s planned visit and maintained that Alia did not patronise thugs.

But the APC faction loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, rejected the development, describing the reported attack as inconsistent with Benue’s culture of hospitality.

The party’s state publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, made the position known in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Ihomun said Obi’s visit should have been treated with respect, particularly because he was in the state to identify with victims of a deadly tragedy.

The APC consequently urged Alia to publicly distance his administration from the incident and tender an apology to all parties affected.

“Governor Hyacinth Alia must therefore apologise to Mr Peter Obi, apologise to our peace-loving President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the good people of Benue State and apologise to the APC for conduct that has the potential to bring the party into disrepute.

“Political differences are legitimate, political violence is not. Benue deserves better,” the party stated.