Benue Commissioner Accuses Peter Obi Of Ignoring Protocol

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has accused Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi of ignoring official protocol before visiting the state. His comments followed the blockage of Obi's convoy by youths along Gboko Road in Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Iorpev said the state government was not formally informed of Obi's visit and therefore could not guarantee his security Benue State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, of ignoring official protocol and 'courting trouble' with the state government. Iorpev made the remark while reacting to the disruption of Obi's movement in Makurdi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after youths blocked his convoy along Gboko Road. Obi had travelled to Benue for a humanitarian visit to Yelwata, where he intended to meet families affected by the June 2025 massacre. His convoy was, however, stopped by protesters who reportedly chanted that they did not want him in the area. Reacting to the incident, Iorpev said Obi should have formally informed the state government ahead of his arrival because of his status as a former governor and presidential candidate. He said: 'A high-profile person who has been a former governor of a state is coming into the state; he should have written a letter to the State Government.' According to him, the absence of such communication meant the government could not make adequate security arrangements. He added: 'We are supposed to guarantee his safety and protection, but in an instance where no letter was written, we could not guarantee his safety.' The commissioner further stated: 'This is not the first time he is doing this. He is just looking for our trouble. We are peace loving and hospitable people.' Iorpev also said he did not know the youths responsible for blocking Obi's convoy and claimed their gathering coincided with a meeting involving youths from the state's 23 local government areas. However, Obi has maintained that state authorities knew about his visit, saying, 'Everybody is aware I'm visiting this place today. It's not a secret to them.' Reactions @sa32571376: A Reverend minister of gospel of Christ. Wetin God go judge book don full. @promiseedwin10: Must you be aware of his visit before human life's are protected. This man is a disgrace to the office of a priest @PaulSudu: Biggest liar of all time 😂😂😂 The brain wash him people say na rev father @EAboki14005: You're a demonic to benue people oga, you claim to be a Rev Father my foot @iam_boykeyz: If they are not aware, how manage those thugs were able to block him. 🤷🏽‍♂️🦅 @amarachi84rj: And when you become aware, what was your reaction @_Collins_Obum: You are not aware but the thugs know when he is coming 😂 @JohnAkor21: Big liar. The governor not aware but the state thugs are aware right? May God judgement come speedily upon you and tinubu criminal forgery government @FDieyi5707: You are not aware, but your thugs are aware, dey play @nzewi_uju21954: I keep wondering what kind of priest you are, you're not aware but your thugs know. @IBCD001: I love the fact that they started it my only concern is that they should get a helmets ⛑️ because e go too hot @OkoromaB: So the governor was not aware but the thugs are aware. Then who is running the State? @sabimarkets: Not the many bandits and killers killing Christians in Benue ? Wow @irowode: But those blocking the road and well behaved residents of the state. Well done sir! @flaubert__: Thunder fire him, the Benue State commissioner for useless information. I am glad they all have a voice now. We will be watching. @Ishaku__Audu: Very funny information 😂. Every Nigerian has equal rights to protection in any state he goes to. @DeRaptureX: Commissioner dey frame concern visit as 'courting trouble' like say sympathy for dead people now be crime. If state government dey uncomfortable with condolence visit, na the government get case to answer, no be the man wey come mourn. @AyubaAlex2: Make them shut up and get out of here