Peter Obi reacts after being denied access to visit Benue

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Party, Peter Obi has expressed disappointment after his planned visit to Benue State was blocked.

Peter Obi, who has been touring various states to support internally displaced persons, said he faced resistance from the Benue State Government, which appeared unwilling to receive him.

Obi revealed that the visit, scheduled for Monday, April 14, was part of a broader humanitarian tour across Northern Nigeria, including stops in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Southern Kaduna.

In these areas, he met with displaced people, donated relief materials, and supported efforts to improve their living conditions.

According to Obi, efforts to reach Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia before the visit failed.

He tried calling directly and later contacted the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), who assured him the governor would return the call.

Days passed without any response, and Obi only received a message from the ADC on Sunday evening, stating that contact had still not been made with the governor.

Despite the silence, Obi continued with his travel plans and left Jos early in the morning.

However, upon reaching Akwanga, his security team stopped him.

They had received a press statement that appeared to come from the Benue State Government, cautioning against his visit.

The statement outlined Obi’s itinerary, which he had earlier shared with the governor’s security team.

Obi said he was surprised that such a visit, meant to show support and kindness to people in need, could be met with resistance.

He intended to visit a nursing school, a church-led school project, and an IDP camp in Gboko.

According to him, these visits had no political motive and were simply to show concern for the welfare of Nigerians who had been displaced from their homes.

Obi said he would continue to reach out to those in need across the country and called for a society where acts of kindness are not politicized.