Peter Obi lambasts Benue govt for blocking visit to IDP camps

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the Benue State Government of obstructing his planned humanitarian visit and condemned what he described as the increasing politicisation of humanitarian causes in Nigeria.

In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, April 14, Obi expressed disappointment over the state's refusal to grant him access to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and healthcare institutions in Benue.

Obi, who began a two-state outreach in Plateau on April 13, said his visit to Benue, scheduled for April 14, was part of a broader effort to support vulnerable communities.

While the Plateau State Governor welcomed him warmly, Obi revealed that multiple attempts to reach Benue Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia were unsuccessful.

“I tried repeatedly to contact the Governor directly without success,” Obi stated. “I eventually reached his ADC, who said the Governor was in a meeting and would get back to me. That never happened.”

I can't guarantee safety of unscheduled visitors – Gov Alia

Obi claimed he was later informed the Governor could not guarantee the security of high-profile figures in the state.

However, he interpreted this as a political move to block his visit.

“Curiously, while I was still discussing the issue with my security detail, the Governor’s ADC sent the same statement directly to me,” Obi added.

Highlighting his long-standing commitment to humanitarian efforts, Obi emphasised that his planned visit included stops at a nursing school, a bishop-led school project in Gboko, and an IDP camp.

“This is what I’ve done in my private life and continued to do even while in politics. We must aim for a Nigeria where we don’t politicise everything but live for the common good,” he said.

Obi concluded with a prayer for a better nation, calling for compassion over politics.