The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has accused Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, of preventing him from undertaking a humanitarian visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and other sites in the state.
Governor Alia, through a statement released Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, cautioned high-profile individuals against entering the state without official clearance, citing security concerns.
“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.
Obi, who had just visited Plateau State over the weekend and was expected in Makurdi on Monday, was also scheduled to meet with the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as IDPs in Abagena and Udei in Guma Local Government Area.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday evening, Obi expressed concern over the turn of events, suggesting he could no longer remain silent.
“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.”
Detailing his planned itinerary, Obi said: “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.”
He said the Plateau State Governor welcomed him warmly.
“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.”
However, efforts to contact Governor Alia were unsuccessful.
“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 added, “Unfortunately, I didn’t get any call until Sunday evening when the governor’s ADC sent me 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.”
He recounted what happened on the day of his trip: “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.”
Obi emphasized the non-political nature of his visit, stating, “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.”
He noted that he also planned to stop by a school being built by a bishop in Gboko, in addition to visiting a nursing school and an IDP camp.
