Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has detailed how Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State allegedly prevented him from visiting the state to provide humanitarian aid.
Governor Alia had issued a statement on Monday, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, cautioning prominent individuals against visiting Benue without his consent, citing concerns about their safety.
“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.
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Earlier reports indicated that Peter Obi, who had recently visited Plateau State and had made previous visits to Benue State during former Governor Samuel Ortom’s term, was scheduled to be in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday.
Additionally, it was reported that Obi planned to visit the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, HRM Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, and also visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abagena and Udei, located in the Guma Local Government Area.
On Monday evening, Obi stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he would have preferred to ignore the governor’s statement, but recent developments necessitated that he address the situation publicly.
He said, “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 stated that regrettably, he received no communication until Sunday evening, at which point the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) sent him a message indicating that he had been unable to reach the governor since the day Obi had called.
He stated, “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.”
He clarified that his plans included visiting a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and a camp for internally displaced persons.
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