One week after, the controversy surrounding the demolition of the newly inaugurated office of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group 2027 by the Benue State Urban Development Board has continued.
The director general of the campaign support group, Dr. Kaalu Akeakpev, yesterday expressed deep concern over the demolition, describing the board’s action as suspicious and unjustified.
But in a swift reaction, the general manager of the board, Dr. Ter Mede, denied any political motivation behind the demolition, citing safety and regulatory violations.
“Every structure along a major road must maintain a 90-meter setback,” Dr. Mede stated.
He added, “The site was originally approved for a filling station, not a campaign office. What we found was an illegal development by Jenkins Foundation, a known repeat offender.”
Mede, while noting the dangers of setting up the structure on the location, said it was built at a T-junction—a high-risk area for large gatherings.
“If supporters gather there, it could be disastrous. There would be no space for traffic, and lives could be endangered,” he warned.
But the DG of the Campaign Support Group insisted that there was an ulterior motive.
He said, “No notice was given to us to indicate whether the structure violated any right of way, approval had been granted before construction began. However we have reported the matter to the relevant authorities for investigation.”
