Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has accused Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia of politicising and obstructing his planned humanitarian visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and health facilities in the state.
In a statement on Monday, Obi expressed deep disappointment that a trip meant to show empathy and solidarity with victims of violence and displacement was rebuffed by the Benue government. He revealed that despite multiple attempts to contact Governor Alia directly and through his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), he received no confirmation or support for the visit.
Obi’s itinerary included visits to a nursing school, an IDP camp, and a school under construction in Gboko. However, while the Plateau State Governor warmly welcomed his visit, the Benue government issued a statement warning against unsanctioned visits, citing security concerns and describing such visits as potential political gatherings.
“I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor without success. The ADC promised the governor would call me before midnight, but that call never came,” Obi said. He added that while en route to Benue, his security team received a government statement mirroring his itinerary—details he had only shared with the governor’s ADC and local security operatives—suggesting an internal effort to block his visit.
Obi lamented the growing trend of politicising humanitarian efforts, stressing that his visits are about humanity, not politics. He recalled his past humanitarian work, including a mission to Haiti during an earthquake, where he sought and received official clearance.
“This is not about politics; it is about compassion,” Obi said. “May God help us rebuild a Nigeria where love for the people is not seen as a political threat.”
Following the obstruction, Obi cancelled his Benue visit and returned to Abuja, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities despite political roadblocks.
The Benue State Government, through a statement by Governor Alia’s office, maintained that all visits to IDP camps require prior written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to ensure security and order.
The incident has sparked debate about the politicisation of humanitarian work and the challenges faced by public figures seeking to aid displaced and vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
