‘Swear by Bible you’re not behind Obi blockade’ — Ortom challenges Alia

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of being responsible for the blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state.

Ortom challenged Alia to swear by the Bible that he had no knowledge of the incident, insisting that the obstruction of Obi’s visit to Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area was a deliberate act.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the former governor described the incident as an attack on democracy and accused the Benue government of encouraging lawlessness.

“Can he come out and swear by the Bible that he claims to be a reverend priest and say that he was not aware of what happened yesterday? It was a deliberate attempt. He did it,” Ortom alleged.

He said it was wrong for Obi, who visited Benue to sympathise with communities affected by killings, to be prevented from reaching his destination.

“I condemn what happened yesterday. It is wrong not to allow Peter Obi to visit Benue and sympathise with those people whose people were killed,” he said.

Ortom alleged that Alia had previously been involved in actions that undermined democratic institutions, claiming the governor had used supporters to carry out political actions in the past.

“Governor Alia himself, the governor of Benue State, is involved in this matter. He cannot deny that,” he said.

The former governor, however, said his position was not based on support for Obi but on the principle of allowing every Nigerian the freedom to move and participate in political activities.

“I am not supporting Peter Obi. But it is wrong,” Ortom stated.

Meanwhile, NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, also demanded an investigation into the incident, saying those found responsible should face prosecution.

Dickson warned that allowing such incidents during the election season could create a dangerous precedent where politicians may be prevented from campaigning across the country.

The controversy followed claims by Obi that his convoy was blocked by suspected political thugs and security operatives while attempting to visit Yelwata community.

The Benue State Government has denied involvement and demanded evidence linking any government official to the incident.

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