Why Gov Alia cancelled my visit to Benue – Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has shed light on the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, describing the incident as deeply unsettling.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Obi explained that although he typically refrains from public commentary on difficult experiences encountered in his political journey, recent events compelled him to address the matter.

He disclosed that the visit, originally scheduled for Monday, April 14, was part of his ongoing outreach efforts aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting initiatives in health care and education. Obi had also planned a similar engagement in Plateau State on Sunday, April 13.

According to him, while the Plateau State Government welcomed his visit, offering full support and allowing him to spend time with victims at the Bokkos IDP camp, the situation in Benue took a different turn.

Obi recounted making several unsuccessful attempts to contact the Benue State Governor directly. Eventually, he established communication with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who promised to relay Obi’s message and return his call before midnight — a promise that was never fulfilled. Days later, the ADC informed him via text message that he had been unable to reach the governor.

Undeterred, Obi proceeded with plans to visit Makurdi, regarding the courtesy call on the governor as a matter of protocol rather than obligation. However, while en route from Jos, at about 10 a.m. in Akwanga, his security team intercepted a press statement purportedly from the Benue State Government, effectively halting the visit.

Curiously, the same statement — which detailed the exact itinerary Obi said he had earlier shared with both the ADC and Benue security operatives — was shortly after forwarded to him by the governor’s ADC.

Obi emphasized that his visit was purely humanitarian, with no political undertones. He reiterated his longstanding commitment to causes that impact public welfare, recalling similar efforts both locally and internationally.

“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” Obi noted.

The incident has since sparked conversations among observers, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of a visit aimed at offering humanitarian support to displaced persons and critical institutions in Benue State.