Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has explained how Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State allegedly stopped him from visiting the state on humanitarian grounds.
Governor Alia had in a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, warned high-profile individuals against visiting Benue without his approval, saying he could not guarantee their security.
“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today (Monday). 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.
“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),” the statement read in part.
There were earlier reports that Obi, who visited Plateau State weekend and had been visiting Benue during the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ortom, was expected in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday.
It was also reported that Obi was equally scheduled to visit the Tiv paramount ruler, HRM Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as IDPs in Abagena, Udei, Guma local Government Area.
But reacting, Obi, on Monday evening on his X handle said, he would have ignored the governor’s statement, but the unfolding events demanded that he had to start speaking out now.
“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,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor said that unfortunately, he didn’t get any call until Sunday evening when the governor’s ADC sent him a message that he had not been able to reach his principal since the day he (Obi) 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 governor’s 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,” Obi continued.
He explained that he intended to visit a school being built by the Catholic bishop in Gboko, a nursing school and an IDP camp.
