Obi also suggested that Governor Alia, a Catholic priest and someone he described as a “dear younger brother,” may not be fully aware of the situation.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has raised concerns over what he described as a deliberate attempt by the Benue Government to frustrate his humanitarian mission to the state.
Obi, who had planned to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and health institutions in Benue on Monday, cancelled his trip after the government issued a statement warning against unscheduled visits, citing security concerns.
In a detailed statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed disappointment over what he perceived as the politicisation of charitable initiatives in Nigeria.
“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.
Known Itinerary
The 63-year-old revealed that his two-day humanitarian outreach began in Plateau State, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang warmly received him on Sunday.
He noted that while his visit to Plateau went smoothly, efforts to communicate with Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue ahead of the Makurdi leg of the journey were unsuccessful.
“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,” Obi stated.
He added that the government’s statement curiously referenced the exact details of his itinerary—information he said had only been shared with the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and local security personnel.
“The letter referred exactly to my itinerary, which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security,” Obi said.
Benue Government Reacts
The cautionary statement, titled “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State,” was issued by Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. It warned that individuals planning to visit the state without the governor’s knowledge do so at their own risk.
“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,” the statement read.
The government also cautioned that any individual or group intending to visit IDP camps must first seek and obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), stressing that unauthorised visits could be construed as political gatherings.
“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state,” the statement added.
Genuine Intentions
Obi emphasised that his mission was strictly humanitarian, devoid of any political undertone.
“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,” he said.
He pointed to his longstanding history of humanitarian service, both in and out of political office.
“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 how I had to get permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan 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.”
The former governor lamented what he called a deepening culture of resistance to philanthropic efforts in Nigeria.
“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 live for the common good, especially for the less privileged and those in need.”
Obi also suggested that Governor Alia, a Catholic priest and someone he described as a “dear younger brother,” may not be fully aware of the situation.
“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life. But the unfolding events demand that I start speaking out now,” he stated.
“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.”
Recurring Insecurity
Benue State has faced recurring violence in recent years, mostly attributed to suspected herdsmen attacks. On February 6, six persons were reportedly killed in the Okpamaju and Asa communities of Otukpo Local Government Area, with lawmaker Kennedy Angbo stating that communities had been burnt down and many displaced.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, Sewuese Anene, confirmed that at least two persons died in the clash, reportedly triggered by disputes over open grazing.
Governor Alia’s administration maintains it has made significant strides in tackling the security crisis, but attacks on farmers and local communities persist.
This is not Obi’s first engagement with Benue State. During his 2023 presidential campaign, he met with then-Governor Samuel Ortom and expressed support for the state’s handling of IDPs, calling for national intervention in what he described as a burden Benue should not bear alone.
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