The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula, has urged former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to focus on Kano's political challenges and respect Benue State's mandate. Kula described Kwankwaso's criticism of Governor Hyacinth Alia as "unfortunate and unwarranted." Kwankwaso had criticized Alia over the disruption of Peter Obi's visit to Benue, describing it as "unfortunate and unnecessary."
Kula alleged that Kwankwaso's grudge against Alia stemmed from Obi's visit to Benue, which was not properly coordinated. He claimed that the controversy surrounding Obi's visit was deliberately created to portray Alia negatively. The Benue Government had denied prior knowledge of Obi's visit and rejected allegations that it sponsored the youths who blocked his convoy.
The police are investigating the incident, with 46 people arrested in connection with the blockade. Kula emphasized that Alia was elected by the people of Benue and his mandate should be respected, regardless of political differences. He urged Kwankwaso to respect the people's mandate in Benue and offer ideas, not insults.
Kula also faulted Kwankwaso for commenting on the relationship between Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. He urged Kwankwaso to focus on Kano's political issues rather than interfering in Benue's internal affairs. Kwankwaso's party is facing challenges in Kano, which Kula believes deserves his attention.
The concerns surrounding Kwankwaso's party's difficulty in finding political footing in Kano and his declining influence there require his attention. Kula challenged Kwankwaso over his party's performance in recent by-elections in Kano, where they performed poorly. He advised Kwankwaso to stop insulting the people of Benue, who are capable of assessing their government's performance.
Kula stated that the people of Benue can judge their government and decide their political future. He emphasized that Kwankwaso should focus on Kano politics and explain his party's poor performance in by-elections. The Benue Government's stance on Obi's visit and the subsequent controversy remains clear.
The exchange between Kula and Kwankwaso highlights the ongoing tensions between Kano and Benue states. Kula's response reflects the Benue Government's commitment to defending its actions and mandate. The incident has sparked a wider debate about inter-state politics and the limits of criticism between state leaders.
Key points
- - Benue Governor's aide Tersoo Kula urges Kano ex-governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to focus on Kano's political challenges. - Kula responds to Kwankwaso's criticism of Governor Hyacinth Alia over Peter Obi's visit to Benue. - The controversy surrounding Obi's visit led to 46 arrests and police investigations.
