Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that his planned humanitarian visit to Benue State was thwarted by what he described as indirect obstruction from the state government led by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Obi, who has been actively visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria, made the claims in a detailed statement posted on social media platform X.
He expressed disappointment over the alleged lack of cooperation from the Benue State Government, which he said stood in contrast to the reception he 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.
He said the planned visit, scheduled for Monday, April 14, was part of a broader tour that included stops in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Nasarawa States, where Obi donated relief materials and called for urgent government intervention in the lives of displaced citizens.
According to Obi, he had initially attempted to reach Governor Alia directly to inform him of his planned visit and to request a courtesy meeting. After multiple failed attempts, he succeeded in speaking with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who assured him that the governor would return his call.
“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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