Samuel Ortom, Benue State governor, said on Saturday that he was barred from receiving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Airforce base in Makurdi.
The governor told journalists that security personnel barred him on getting to the airport of Nigeria Airforce.
The governor said he was notified of Osinbajo’s visit through a letter dated February 10, 2022, and signed by Amb. Abdullahi Gwary, Senior Special Assistant to the president on foreign affairs/head of protocol office of the Vice President.
The letter had informed him that Vice President Osinbajo was visiting Wukari, in Taraba State and would land at the NAF base on Saturday, 12th, January (February), 2022.
“It is unfortunate that an ugly incident occurred today which is a breach of protocol and I felt so sad for our country Nigeria where everything has been reduced to politics,” he said.
“I was to attend the burial ceremony of our leader, Professor Ayua, had made all arrangements to go to Konshisha but a letter was brought to me that the vice president was transiting from Makurdi to Wukari.
“It is a normal thing that when distinguished people like the President or Vice President is passing through your state, the governor should receive him.
“Unfortunately, I was barred in my own state. It is a breach of protocol,” Ortom declared.
“I’m not a busy body, I have so many things to do. As I talk to you, the entire Gwer West is under siege.
“The Fulani are burning houses and I had to shelve everything to receive the Vice President.
“I feel so pained that politics have gone beyond what it is supposed to be.
“There is no permanent enemy in politics or permanent friend. Tomorrow, I can feel to be the best friend of Mr President if they do the right thing.
“I don’t hate the President or Vice President. All I’m saying is to add value to development.
“I have never insulted the President, I have never insulted the Vice President or the Federal Government.”
