Obi Breaks Silence On Benue Visit Cancellation, Describes It As ‘Troubling’

Former Governor and presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State, causing ripples throughout the Nigerian political landscape.

In a detailed release issued earlier today, Mr. Obi expressed deep concern about what he called a “unsettling incident,” implying possible political motivations for the unexpected turn of events.

Mr. Obi’s statement, unusually direct for the often-measured politician, painted a picture of bureaucratic roadblocks and unanswered calls, in stark contrast to the warm welcome he received in Plateau State on Sunday, April 13th, when he successfully visited IDP camps.

Mr. Obi said his planned visit to Benue State on Monday, April 14th, was part of his outreach efforts to help internally displaced people (IDPs) and strengthen critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

The itinerary included courtesy calls to Governor Hyacinth Alia, visits to IDP camps affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and interactions with educational institutions such as nursing schools.

The statement detailed Mr. Obi’s attempts to contact Governor Alia, which began with several unanswered calls. “As is my custom, I contacted the Benue State Government to notify them of my planned visit,” Mr. Obi stated.

“While the Plateau State Governor graciously welcomed me and provided all necessary support, allowing me to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp, my efforts to contact the Benue State Governor proved difficult.”

He eventually spoke with the Governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who informed him that Governor Alia was in a meeting but would return his call by midnight.

According to Mr. Obi, the promised call never materialised. Days later, the ADC reportedly sent a message stating that he was unable to contact the governor, which Mr. Obi described as “deeply troubling,” implying possible political interference.

Undaunted, Mr. Obi continued his journey to Makurdi, emphasising that the visit to the Governor was purely courtesy and not a prerequisite for engaging with the communities he wished to support.

He left Jos at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the planned visit. However, while en route near Akwanga around 10:00 a.m., his security team intercepted a press statement purportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively preventing him from proceeding.

The situation became even more intriguing when the Governor’s ADC forwarded the same press statement directly to Mr. Obi, who was still in transit and discussing the implications of the leaked statement with his team.

“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had previously shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Mr. Obi revealed, implying that the Benue State Government was fully aware of his planned activities.

Mr. Obi reiterated throughout his statement that his visit was solely for humanitarian reasons, highlighting his long-standing commitment to assisting vulnerable populations before and during his political career.

He recalled requesting permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and provide assistance following the devastating Haiti earthquake, emphasising his commitment to humanitarian causes over political considerations.

“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then-President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said, drawing parallels with his current efforts to assist the displaced in Benue State.

He went on to say that his planned engagements in Benue would include visits to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp, all with the goal of identifying areas where he could help and support.

Mr. Obi concluded his statement with a passionate plea for a depoliticised approach to national issues, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the well-being of the less fortunate.

He advocated for a “new Nigeria,” in which the common good trumps political manoeuvring.

“May God help us as we rebuild our country and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but rather live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, particularly those in need,” he concluded.

Mr. Obi’s statement sparked a flurry of responses from political analysts and commentators. Many are questioning the Benue State Government’s motivations, speculating on potential political rivalries or perceived threats to the current administration.

“This is a deeply concerning development,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a political analyst with the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies.

“Mr. Obi’s statement raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in governance. The apparent difficulty in contacting the Governor, combined with the suspiciously timed release of the press statement, suggests that political considerations may have trumped humanitarian concerns.”

The Benue State Government has yet to officially respond to Mr. Obi’s allegations. However, sources close to the government have hinted that security concerns are the primary reason for the visit is cancellation, citing recent incidents of banditry and communal violence in the state. However, critics point out that Mr. Obi’s security team had already coordinated with Benue State security personnel, rendering this justification less credible.

The incident is likely to exacerbate the ongoing debate about the politicisation of aid and the need for increased collaboration between government and non-governmental actors in addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis.

The situation also highlights the difficulties that prominent figures face in navigating the complex political landscape while attempting to contribute to national development and humanitarian efforts.