By Chinelo Obogo

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the politicisation of his efforts, saying that his planned visit to Benue was to support school and displaced families in the state.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra governor narrated his ordeal while trying to get approval from the state government only to receive information that Governor Hyacinth Alia has banned visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Obi said he had scheduled visits to IDP camps and schools in Benue on April 14 after his trip to Plateau State and that despite repeated attempts to contact Governor Alia, all his  efforts failed and the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC) who promised to call back later claimed he could not reach Alia for three days . 

Obi said as his convoy approached Makurdi from Jos, his security team saw a statement from Benue government warning against “unapproved high-profile visits,” citing security risks. He said the  governor’s ADC forwarded the statement directly to which referenced his itinerary shared earlier with state security .  Governor Alia’s office issued a statement distancing itself from the visit, that unauthorized visits “cannot guarantee safety,” though it did not name Obi directly . 

Narrating what transpired, Obi 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.

“On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.

“As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted. In a similar vein, 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.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.

However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi. Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated that they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governors ADC sent the statement directly to me. The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.

“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, and 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.

Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake. 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.”

The advisory titled: Notice regarding unscheduled visit to Benue State, read in part: Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.

“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.

“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.

“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).

“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”