Obi Accuses Benue Governor of Blocking IDP Camp Visit

MAKURDI, BENUE STATE – Former Anambra State Governor and prominent political figure, Mr. Peter Obi, has publicly criticized Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, alleging that he was deliberately prevented from visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.

In a strongly worded statement released today, Mr. Obi expressed his disappointment and detailed the events leading up to the cancellation of his planned visit. He stated that his itinerary, which included courtesy calls to both the governors of Plateau and Benue states as well as visits to IDP camps and schools of nursing to offer support, was communicated to the respective state governments.

Mr. Obi recounted his successful engagement with the Plateau State government, noting the governor’s “utmost hospitality” in granting him permission to visit the IDP camp in Bokkos. However, his experience with Benue State was markedly different.

“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,” Mr. Obi explained. He expressed his surprise at not receiving a call until Sunday evening, when the ADC informed him of his inability to reach the governor for three days.

Despite the communication challenges, Mr. Obi decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi. However, his journey was allegedly halted in Akwanga when his security team received a press statement purportedly from the Benue State Government, which appeared to be aimed at obstructing his visit. Mr. Obi noted with concern that the governor’s ADC subsequently sent him the same statement directly.

“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,” he stated.
Mr. Obi emphasized that the purpose of his visit was purely humanitarian, focused on supporting critical development areas such as health, education, and the welfare of displaced persons. He highlighted his long-standing commitment to such causes, both before and during his political career, recalling instances where he sought permission from past leaders for similar interventions, such as his visit to Haiti after the earthquake.

He further disclosed his intention to visit a school being built by a bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp in Benue State, stressing that these actions reflected his “genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens.”

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Mr. Obi concluded his statement by expressing hope for 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.”

Efforts to reach the Benue State Government for a response to Mr. Obi’s allegations were ongoing at the time of publication.