Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has criticized the Benue State Government over the way his intended visit to the state was handled.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi voiced his frustration at the state’s response to his planned courtesy call and scheduled visits to camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and healthcare facilities.
“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,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his itinerary, Obi noted that he had scheduled a trip covering Plateau and Benue States for April 13 and 14, respectively.
He stated that while Plateau State welcomed him warmly, communication with the Benue government proved unsuccessful.
“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,” Obi explained.
He added that although he tried several times to reach the Benue Governor directly, he was unsuccessful.
Contact was eventually made with the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), who promised a callback that never came. The ADC later informed him he had been unable to speak with the governor for three days.
Despite the lack of a formal response, Obi decided to proceed with his journey.
“Because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi,” he said.
According to him, while en route, his security personnel informed him of a press release allegedly from the Benue Government that appeared to discourage the visit.
“Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me,” he added.
Obi clarified that his intentions were purely humanitarian: “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.”
He further referenced a past humanitarian trip to Haiti, recalling: “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 concluded by emphasizing his plans to visit a bishop-led school project in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve 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. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”