The 2023 Labour Party presidential aspirant and former governor of Anambra state Peter Obi in a statement speaks out on Benue state government barring him on courtesy visit to the state.
Recall the governor of the State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said he cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting the state without his knowledge or clearance.
The governor issued the warning in a statement on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, titled, “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
Alia cautioned that anyone planning to visit Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state must first seek approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency.
However, Obi claimed that he had taken the necessary protocol required to visit a state but was barred by the governor’s ADC who informed him that he was unable to get across to his governor.
The former governor clarified that he only wanted to visit the state IDPs and school of nursing to contribute his quota to humanity like he did in Plateau State on Sunday but was met with political resistance from its Benue counterpart.
Obi who could not pinpoint what could have been the cause of the problem stated the purpose of the visit is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need.
Part of his statement read: “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.
“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 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.” He narrated
The former governor asserted that the lives of the people should not be politicized rather, those in the corridor of power should serve humanity as its his nature to care for the welfare of the people.
“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 stressed
By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
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