Obi Ignored Protocol, Courting Trouble, Benue Commissioner Says

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, of ignoring official protocol by failing to notify the state government ahead of his visit.

Iorpev made the allegation while reacting to the blockage of Obi’s convoy by some youths in the state on Tuesday.

The commissioner said Obi, as a former governor and high-profile political figure, was expected to formally inform the state government so that adequate security arrangements could be made for his visit.

He said the state government was responsible for guaranteeing Obi’s safety but could not do so effectively without prior notification.

Iorpev said the incident was not the first time Obi had visited the state without formally informing the government, adding that the situation was creating unnecessary tension.

The commissioner, however, said he did not know the identities of the youths who blocked Obi’s convoy.

He said Obi’s visit coincided with a meeting involving youths from the 23 local government areas of the state, suggesting that their movement may have contributed to the road blockage.

Iorpev said the government remained committed to maintaining peace and hospitality in the state, while stressing the importance of following established protocols during visits by high-profile individuals.