Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has expressed displeasure over what he described as an attempt by the Benue State Government to frustrate his planned visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and health institutions in the state.
Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi said the response from the state government suggests an increasing tendency to politicise charitable and development-focused engagements across the country.
“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency,” Obi said. “The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.”
Obi noted that his trip was originally scheduled for April 14, following a stop in Plateau State on April 13. While the Plateau State Governor had acknowledged and welcomed his visit, Obi said he was unable to establish direct communication with Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.
“I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day,” he recounted.
However, Obi said he received no response until the evening of April 13, when the ADC informed him that he had been unable to reach the governor for three days. Despite the lack of official communication, Obi decided to continue with the visit, stressing that the planned courtesy call on the governor was out of respect.
While en route to Makurdi from Jos, Obi said his team received a statement, reportedly issued by the state government, suggesting that his visit was unwelcome. He added, “Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me.”
Obi explained that the document contained details that precisely matched his planned schedule, which had earlier been shared with both the ADC and state security personnel.
Clarifying his intent, Obi said the trip was not politically motivated. “I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need.”
Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to humanitarian service, he stated, “This is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.”
He further noted that he had previously received federal approval to travel abroad for relief missions, such as during the earthquake in Haiti.
“I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced,” Obi added.
Concluding his statement, he said, “May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need.”
Earlier on Monday, the Benue State Government, through a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, maintained it had no prior knowledge of Obi’s intended visit and could not guarantee security for unscheduled guests.
Titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State,” the statement warned that, “all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA.”
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read.
Governor Alia also urged the public to avoid politically tinted gatherings and tasked both residents and security operatives to “maintain peace and order.”
