Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has spoken out about why Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, couldn’t visit an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the state.
During an interview on TVC on Thursday, Alia said he wasn’t told about Obi’s visit ahead of time. He added that Obi’s party members in Benue also didn’t inform the state government.
“I don’t know the intent you have,” Governor Alia said. “Is it not courteous enough just for me to know as a sitting Governor?”
He said visits to sensitive areas like IDP camps require proper planning and official clearance. He stressed that his reason for blocking the visit was based on security, not politics.
“I can never politicize that,” he said. “I’m the one bearing the brunt, the pains, and the sorrows of the IDPs in my state.”
Why Obi’s Visit Was Turned Down
Peter Obi had earlier expressed sadness over the refusal, calling it unfair treatment. He said the situation showed the need for a different approach in politics.
Governor Alia insisted his decision was not politically motivated. He explained that security arrangements need to be made ahead of such visits to protect everyone—especially the vulnerable IDPs.
“You are going to where I’m protecting even most, the IDP camp,” he said. “It’s my duty to protect them. They’ve been disbalanced and I need to protect them even some more.”
Alia also responded to claims that he could not be reached. He said Obi could have contacted top officials in the state if he couldn’t get through to him directly.
“If I couldn’t be reached, senior members of my government could have been,” Alia said.
Peter Obi is known for his humanitarian visits to disaster victims, poor communities, and orphaned children across Nigeria. His visit to Benue was part of that effort.
The Governor has come under sharp public criticism for denying access to an opposition figure who was on a purely humanitarian mission. Many viewed the move as politically motivated, especially since Obi has no history of inciting unrest.
The former Anambra State Governor is known for showing solidarity with victims of displacement and hardship, regardless of political or religious background.
However, Alia defended himself, saying the issue had nothing to do with party differences. He insisted that protocol and security were his main concerns.
“A very high personality like you, coming into someone’s state, and your party does not even know you are coming,” he said. “It’s just not right.”
He suggested that Obi should have followed official channels, especially when dealing with a sensitive group like the IDPs.
Obi claimed he did.
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See explanation!😄😄😄😄 H.E. Peter Obi is a man of discipline and integrity, therefore, he would have made proper arrangements and communications for the visit.
I believe Mr. Peter Obi’s account. This is a governor his state is under attack on security, who needs all the help HD can get. Is he afraid of Mr. Obi’s popularity?
It’s funny really!