•Peter Obi and Governor Alia
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has cancelled his scheduled visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement issued by the state government as the reason for shelving the trip.
Obi, who was expected in Benue yesterday as part of a humanitarian outreach, expressed disappointment over the political undertones surrounding the visit, saying the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country, reports The PUNCH.
The Labour Party chieftain had planned courtesy visits and stops at internally displaced persons camps and health facilities in the state, but a statement from the state government warned against unscheduled visits, citing security concerns.
In a statement titled “Notice regarding an unscheduled visit to Benue State”, Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, declared that the government was unaware of Obi’s visit and could not guarantee his safety.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement read.
The governor further warned that any individual or group intending to visit IDPs must obtain written permission from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, cautioning that unsanctioned visits could be construed as political gatherings.
In response, Obi explained via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that his visit, part of a two-day tour beginning in Plateau State, was purely humanitarian.
While Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau warmly received him on April 13, Obi said he struggled to establish communication with Governor Alia ahead of the Benue leg of the tour.
“Despite multiple attempts to reach him directly and through his aides, I received no confirmation. Eventually, while en route to Makurdi, a press statement was issued warning against the visit,” Obi revealed.
He said the contents of the government’s statement mirrored his itinerary—details he had shared only with the governor’s ADC and local security operatives.
“I was taken aback by the reaction, as my trip was aimed at supporting health and education initiatives and visiting displaced persons, not for political engagement,” he said.
Obi emphasised his long-standing commitment to humanitarian work, both within and outside political office, and lamented the growing culture of resistance against efforts to support the vulnerable.
“I have undertaken similar missions across the country and even outside it, including the Haiti earthquake response. My intention in Benue was to visit a school project, a nursing institution, and an IDP camp in Gboko,” he added.
He insisted that his visit was purely humanitarian and devoid of any political motives.
“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 said.
Obi emphasised his history of humanitarian work, stating, “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.”
He added that he had previously sought presidential clearance to travel abroad for similar reasons, including during the Haiti earthquake.
“I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicise everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need,” Obi wrote.
Benue monarchs warn
Meanwhile, traditional rulers in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State have warned against negotiation with herders to cede land within the council.
The resolution was made at the end of the extraordinary expanded sitting of Gwer West Local Government Traditional Council, held on Saturday at the palace of Ter Tyoshin in Naka and presided over by Chief Daniel Abomtse.
In the communique signed by traditional rulers and prominent people in the council, they called on youths to mobilise against land ceding to foreigners, especially herders, in their various communities.
Gwer West has witnessed a series of violent attacks in recent times, leading to the burning of the palace, local government secretariat, and other private properties by youths protesting incessant killings and kidnappings in their communities by suspected armed herders.
Rising from the expanded extraordinary sitting, the traditional rulers urged all Tyoshin sons and daughters to show commitment to all efforts to curb insecurity in the land.
“The sitting vehemently condemned the unabated activities of marauding herdsmen, who wittingly attack, murder, rape, and maim our people, destroying houses and farms, and laying siege on all communities cutting across fifteen council wards and appealed to the government to continue to support the people to send the enemies away.
“The sitting acknowledged security agents for their efforts in handling the security challenges bedevilling the people of Gwer West and urged them to double their efforts in combating insecurity in the land.
“The sitting urged traditional rulers to take charge of their communities and exercise traditional authority in ensuring the security and safety of their people and not betray the trust reposed in them as custodians of the land and the areas within their domain.
“Nobody is allowed to negotiate with herders to cede land, co-existence or striking any deal on behalf of the people of Gwer West. Any person found wanting in this regard shall be handed over to law enforcement agents,” the communique read.
The traditional rulers called on youths to apologise to the Ter Tyoshin for the looting and burning of his palace, annexe and extension buildings.
