The Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has disclosed that his planned humanitarian visit to Benue State was hindered by what he described as indirect obstruction from the state government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Obi, who has been actively touring internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria, made this known in a detailed statement shared on social media platform X.
He expressed disappointment over what he called a lack of cooperation from the Benue State Government, noting that it was a sharp contrast to the warm and supportive reception he had received from other state leaders during similar visits.
“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 wrote, adding that recent developments necessitated a public response.
Obi stated that the planned visit, set for Monday, April 14, was part of a larger humanitarian tour that also included stops in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa States. During these visits, he donated relief materials and urged the government to take swift action to improve the lives of displaced citizens.
He explained that he had initially tried to contact Governor Alia directly to inform him of the visit and request a courtesy meeting. After several unsuccessful attempts, he eventually spoke with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who promised that the governor would return his call.
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“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… Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening…” Obi said.
Despite the lack of formal acknowledgment, Obi said proceeded with his journey. However, he was stopped mid-transit in Akwanga by his security detail, who had received a press statement purportedly issued by the Benue State Government discouraging the visit. Obi claimed that the statement, which mirrored his itinerary, was also forwarded to him directly by the governor’s ADC.
“Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement… that appeared designed to stop my trip,” Obi said in the writeup. “Curiously, while I was still talking with my security team… the Governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me.”
Obi emphasized that his intentions were purely humanitarian and not political, noting that such acts of service have long characterized his public and private life.
“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,” he stated.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything… A new Nigeria is POssible,” he added.
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