By Our Reporter
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday blamed politicization of national issues for the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, describing the incident as “unsettling.”
In a statement yesterday, Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, expressed concern over the drama, stating that ordinarily, he would have refrained from commenting, having endured far more challenging situations in his political journey. However, he noted that recent events have compelled him to speak out.
According to him, the scheduled visit to Benue State was part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed only at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting health and education initiatives.
“The visits, planned for Sunday, 13th April, in Plateau and Monday, 14th April, in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the state governors, visits to IDP camps, and interactions with institutions such as schools of nursing,” Obi said.
Obi recounted that, as is his customary practice, he reached out to the Plateau State Government to notify them of his intended visit. He disclosed that the Plateau State Governor had graciously welcomed him and provided all necessary support, allowing him to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.
However, he said despite several attempts regarding his efforts to reach the Benue State Governor, he was unable to establish direct contact. He eventually succeeded in speaking with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who informed him that the governor was engaged in an important meeting but promised to return his call before midnight. Mr. Obi stated that this promised call never came, and days later, the ADC messaged him, claiming he had been unable to reach the governor – a situation Mr. Obi described as deeply troubling.
Obi added that he decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi, viewing his visit to the governor as a matter of courtesy rather than necessity.
According to him, departing Jos at 7am on the day of the planned visit, he received an unexpected development while en route. Upon reaching Akwanga at about 10am, his security team intercepted a press statement, reportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively halting his visit. While, he was still discussing the matter with his team, Obi said the Governor’s ADC forwarded the same statement to him directly.
“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Mr Obi disclosed.
He reiterated that his visit was driven purely by humanitarian motives, aimed at supporting critical areas of development, including health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians. He further reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to such causes, noting that even before his political career, and consistently throughout it, he had remained devoted to initiatives for the common good.
“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.
His intended engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
Concluding his statement, Mr Obi appealed for a depoliticised approach to national issues, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the welfare of the less privileged.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in a statement, advised groups and high-profile individuals, who intend to visit the state to obtain permission before such visits, stressing that failure to do so amounts to risking their safety.
In statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula and made available to newsmen yesterday, Alia stated that any individual or group considering to visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge should reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of such individuals cannot be guaranteed.
“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.
“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),” the statement read.