A statement by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, explaining why his humanitarian visit to Benue State on Monday was aborted, has exposed the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic Reverend Father, as being dishonest and economical with the truth when he claimed that he was not aware of the former’s planned visit to the state as a result of which he would not be able to guarantee his safety.
Newsmata.com.ng recalls that the former Anambra State governor had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States to give financial and moral support to victims and families of violent killings in the two states. But while his visit to Plateau State was successful, his trip to Benue where he planned courtesy visits and stops at internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps and health facilities were aborted by a statement from the state government warning against “unscheduled visits” because of security concerns.
In a statement titled “Notice regarding an unscheduled visit to Benue State”, signed by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary, Governor Alia, declared that the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and could not guarantee his safety.
The terse statement said, “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”.
Further warning that any individual or group intending to visit IDPs must obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Governor Alia emphasised that unsanctioned visits could be construed as political gatherings.
However, expressing disappointment at the political undertone surrounding the visit, Obi regretted that the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country.
He said, “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”, adding, he had previously sought presidential clearance to travel abroad for similar reasons, including during the Haiti earthquake.
In his response via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi explained that his visit, part of a two-day tour beginning in Plateau State, was purely humanitarian.
He said while Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State warmly received him on April 13, he struggled to establish communication with Governor Alia ahead of the Benue leg of the tour.
According to Obi, “Despite multiple attempts to reach him directly and through his aides, I received no confirmation. Eventually, while en route to Makurdi, a press statement was issued warning against the visit”.
Exposing Governor Alia’s shenanigan, Obi said the contents of the government’s statement mirrored his itinerary, details he claimed he had shared only with the governor’s ADC and local security operatives.
“I was taken aback by the reaction, as my trip was aimed at supporting health and education initiatives and visiting displaced persons, not for political engagement,” he said.
Obi emphasised his long-standing commitment to humanitarian work, both within and outside political office, and lamented the growing culture of resistance against efforts to support the vulnerable.
Recalling how he had undertaken similar missions across the country and even outside it, including the Haiti earthquake response, the former LP presidential candidate insisted “My intention in Benue was to visit a school project, a nursing institution, and an IDP camp in Gboko”, stressing that his visit was “purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives”.
Obi said, “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.
“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.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicise everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need”.