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Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the general election of 2023, has charged that the Benue State government is politicizing his intended tour of the state’s hospitals and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In a statement released on Monday on his official X account, Obi bemoaned what he called the increasing politicization of good causes in Nigeria and expressed dismay at what he called intentional attempts to thwart his humanitarian travel to Benue.

Alia had taken action to prevent Obi from visiting camps in the state that house Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Citing political undertones, top government officials allegedly counseled Governor Alia against allowing Obi access to the IDP camps.

Alia had stated that he was unable to ensure the safety of any prominent governmental official.

But in response, Obi clarified that his April 14 visit was a component of a two-state outreach that started on April 13 in Plateau State.

He claimed that although the Plateau State Governor had enthusiastically welcomed his plan to travel, he had made multiple attempts to speak with Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, but was unsuccessful.

“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency,” Obi wrote.

“But the unfolding events demand that I begin to speak out.

“I tried repeatedly to contact the Governor directly without success. I eventually reached his ADC, who told me the Governor was in an important meeting and would get back to me before midnight,” Obi disclosed.

According to Obi, it wasn’t until Sunday night, April 13, that the ADC acknowledged he hadn’t been able to get in touch with the Governor for three days. Obi insisted that he decided to go ahead with his Monday morning visit to Makurdi in spite of this, stating that the meeting with the governor was only meant to be a courtesy call.

“Curiously, while I was still discussing the issue with my security detail, the Governor’s ADC sent the same statement directly to me.

“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 added 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.”

“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 politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need,” he wrote.

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