Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has condemned the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly frustrating his planned humanitarian visit to the state. In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi expressed disappointment over what he called “the politicisation of good causes” in Nigeria.
Peter Obi revealed that his visit to Benue was to be part of a broader two-state outreach that began on April 13 in Plateau State, where he was warmly received by the state governor. His intended activities in Benue included visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, a nursing school, and a church-run school under construction in Gboko. He emphasized that the visit was entirely humanitarian and devoid of political motives.
The former Anambra State governor stated that the action by Governor Alia and his aides to deny him access to the camps was a deliberate attempt to frustrate a gesture aimed at helping the less privileged. “The unfolding events demand that I begin to speak out,” Obi noted, stressing that he had made several efforts to contact Governor Alia directly to no avail.
Governor Alia Cites Security Concerns Amid Alleged Political Motives
According to insider reports earlier published by Opitanglobamedia News, high-ranking officials in Benue State advised Governor Alia against granting Peter Obi access to IDP camps due to perceived political undertones. The Governor later stated that he could not guarantee the security of any high-profile visitor during the period.
This statement has drawn criticism from political observers and citizens who question the motive behind the governor’s refusal. Critics argue that Governor Alia’s administration is playing politics with humanitarian aid, especially at a time when thousands of Benue citizens remain displaced due to years of violent conflicts.
Despite Peter Obi’s explanation that the visit was apolitical and centered on offering support in critical areas like health and education, the state government’s position appeared to be influenced by partisan calculations. Obi, however, dismissed such concerns, insisting that his track record of philanthropy long predates his presidential ambition.
Failed Attempts to Reach Alia and a Silent Snub
Peter Obi recounted multiple efforts to reach Governor Alia before and during the planned visit, including calls and messages that went unanswered. He said that he eventually managed to speak with the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), who assured him that the governor was in a meeting and would return his call. That return call, Obi said, never came.
Peter Obi further disclosed that the ADC later sent him the same official statement shared with the public, which essentially denied him access under the pretext of security concerns. “Curiously, while I was still discussing the issue with my security detail, the Governor’s ADC sent the same statement directly to me,” Obi wrote, highlighting what he described as a disrespectful and dismissive attitude.
Despite the snub, Obi insisted on visiting Makurdi on Monday, April 14, stating that the proposed meeting with the governor was only a courtesy and not a requirement for his planned charitable activities.
Peter Obi Reaffirms Commitment to Humanitarian Causes
Peter Obi reiterated his longstanding commitment to humanitarian work, stressing that his trip to Benue was simply a continuation of his personal mission to support the vulnerable. “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,” he wrote.
He described the planned visits—to a nursing school, a church-sponsored school in Gboko, and an IDP camp—as reflective of his “genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens.” Obi emphasized that the humanitarian need in places like Benue should never be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalries.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need,” Obi concluded.
Nigerians React: Disappointment, Support, and Calls for Non-Partisan Leadership
The controversy has sparked widespread reactions on social media and among civil society groups. Many Nigerians expressed disappointment over the Benue State Government’s stance, describing it as an affront to the spirit of charity and national unity. Others commended Obi for staying focused on humanitarian causes despite political hurdles.
Rights groups have called on Governor Alia to reconsider policies that appear to hinder aid and assistance to displaced persons in the state. “The people in IDP camps need help from anyone willing to give it,” one human rights advocate said. “Blocking access sends the wrong message and fuels the perception of politicized governance.”
Observers believe the incident points to a troubling trend where genuine efforts at national development and relief are viewed through partisan lenses. Many say it is time for Nigerian leaders to rise above party divisions and embrace a collaborative spirit in addressing the country’s many humanitarian crises.
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