TD Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, once told former governors of the state to “shut up” if they had nothing positive to contribute to Benue, warning them to allow his administration to govern without interference.
However, the video currently circulating on social media is not a recent statement by Alia in response to Peter Obi or the latest developments surrounding the Yelwata community.
The footage dates back to April 2024, when Alia addressed journalists in Makurdi after returning from an official visit to the United States. Multiple Nigerian media organisations reported the remarks at the time.
“If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contribute to Benue, shut up. You had your term, you went through it, allow the administration to work,” Alia said at the time.
He added that former office holders could criticise his administration but should verify their claims before making them public.
“Criticisms are welcomed but verify your facts,” the governor said, warning that former office holders should not attempt to destabilise his administration.
Alia Remarks Came Amid Tensions with Ortom
Alia’s comments came amid political tensions involving his predecessor, former Governor Samuel Ortom.
Reports at the time said Ortom had advised Alia to avoid confrontation with then-Senate leader and now Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He had argued that reconciliation between the two politicians would benefit Benue State.
Alia’s subsequent warning to former governors was widely interpreted as a response to criticism from former political leaders, although he did not specifically name Ortom in the remarks.
The governor said he would not allow former governors or serving civil servants to interfere in the running of his administration.
“I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or civil servant,” he said. “If you have served your tenure, you cannot stay by the side and destabilise this government.”
Video Recirculates Amid New Political Controversy
The old footage has recently resurfaced on social media.
Some posts attempt to connect Alia’s remarks to Peter Obi and the former Anambra governor’s visit to communities affected by insecurity in Benue.
However, a fact-check published on September 11, 2026, found that the video being used in that context was originally recorded in 2024 and was subsequently republished online.
The fact-check concluded that it did not show Alia responding to Obi over the more recent controversy.
This distinction is significant because presenting the 2024 footage as a fresh statement could give readers the false impression that Alia had just issued a warning specifically targeting Obi.
Alia Defended His Administration
During the original 2024 remarks, Alia said his administration was committed to improving Benue and argued that former office holders should allow the government to implement its agenda.
He also said criticism of his administration was welcome provided that those making the criticism verified their facts.
The governor’s position generated further criticism from political groups in the state.
The Tiv Youth Patriotic Front, for example, accused him of blaming his predecessors for problems within his administration and urged him to concentrate on governance.
The episode reflected the wider political tensions surrounding Alia’s administration.
This includes disagreements involving former political leaders and the influence of George Akume in Benue politics.
2026 Context
The resurfacing of the footage comes at a time of renewed political debate over Governor Alia’s administration, insecurity in Benue and the activities of opposition politicians in communities affected by violence.
However, the 2024 origin of the video should be clearly stated when reporting its circulation.
There is currently no reliable evidence in the sources reviewed that the quoted “shut up” statement was made by Alia in 2026 specifically in response to Peter Obi’s visit to Yelwata.
This Dawn News therefore advises readers to distinguish between the governor’s documented 2024 remarks and claims circulating online that present the footage as a new statement.
