Obi reveals how Benue Governor Rv. Fr. Alia prevented his humanitarian visit to IDP camp, schools, others

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Mr. Peter Obi, has broken his silence over the circumstances surrounding the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, revealed on his X handle that he would have ignored the governor’s statement, but the unfolding events demanded that he had to start speaking out now.

Obi the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections  had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting health and education initiatives.

The visits, planned for Sunday, 13th April in Plateau, and Monday, 14th April in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the state governors, visits to IDP camps, and interactions with institutions such as schools of nursing which he had concluded in Plateau but was prevented from carrying out same in Benue State by the state governor Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Governor Alia had in a statement on Monday 14 April signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, warned high-profile individuals against visiting Benue without his approval, saying he could not guarantee their security.

Stated, “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today (Monday). He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.

“Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.

“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA),” the statement read in part.

However, in Peter Obi’s concise reaction to the development on Monday,  he expressed concern about what he described as an unsettling incident, stating that ordinarily, he would have refrained from commenting.

He said, “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, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.

“On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.

Obi at Plateau State IDP Camp

He revealed that he had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting health and education initiatives. The visits, planned for Sunday, 13th April in Plateau, and Monday, 14th April in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the state governors, visits to IDP camps, and interactions with institutions such as schools of nursing.

Peter Obi recounted that, as is his customary practice, he reached out to the Plateau State Government to notify them of his intended visit. He disclosed that the Plateau State Governor had graciously welcomed him and provided all necessary support, allowing him to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.

He painted a different picture regarding his efforts to reach the Benue State Governor. Despite several attempts, he was unable to establish direct contact. He eventually succeeded in speaking with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who informed him that the governor was engaged in an important meeting but promised to return his call before midnight. Mr. Obi stated that this promised call never came, and days later, the ADC messaged him, claiming he had been unable to reach the governor – a situation Mr. Obi described as deeply troubling.

Undeterred, Mr. Obi decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi, viewing his visit to the governor as a matter of courtesy rather than necessity. Departing Jos at 7am on the day of the planned visit, he received an unexpected development while en route. Upon reaching Akwanga at about 10am, his security team intercepted a press statement, reportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively halting his visit.

Peter Obi with Gov. Ortom at the Abagana IDP Camp Benue State on 25 December, 2022

Curiously, while he was still discussing the matter with his team, the Governor’s ADC forwarded the same statement to him directly.

“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Mr. Obi disclosed.

He reiterated that his visit was driven purely by humanitarian motives, aimed at supporting critical areas of development, including health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians. He further reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to such causes, noting that even before his political career, and consistently throughout it, he had remained devoted to initiatives for the common good.

“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.

His intended engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

Concluding his statement, Mr. Obi appealed for a depoliticised approach to national issues, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the welfare of the less privileged.

“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need,” he prayed.

Obi who had been visiting Benue during the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ortom, was to visit Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday.

He would have equally visited the Tiv paramount ruler, HRM Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as IDPs in Abagena, Udei, Guma local Government Area.