Benue State Urban Development Board officials partially demolished President Bola Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi on Thursday. The action triggered strong reactions from the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group.
The facility had been inaugurated just last week. Supporters from Benue and neighboring states attended the ceremony. Dr Mathias Byuan, the group’s National Coordinator, hosted the event.
Support Group Condemns Demolition
Dr Tarnongo Simon, the group’s Director-General, called the demolition unjustified. “Workers arrived to find demolition underway without notice,” he stated. Simon condemned the action as unnecessary.
He maintained the office possessed valid documentation. This included a Certificate of Occupancy and approved building plan. Simon affirmed their continued support for President Tinubu despite the incident.
Government Cites Road Expansion Project
Benue State Government dismissed claims of political targeting. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s spokesman, Kula Tersoo, explained the action. He linked it to the Wurukum-Yaikyor-Apir-Ikpayongo road expansion.
Tersoo stated the project is part of federal highway dualization. Legitimate property owners received compensation beforehand. Unauthorized structures on the right-of-way were marked for removal.
“Placing leaders’ images on such structures is mischievous,” Tersoo remarked. He urged the public to disregard what he called false narratives. The demolition affects structures along the Benue-Enugu boundary.
This incident has intensified political tensions in the state. It involves Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
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