By The Publisher
MAKURDI, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed dismay over what he described as a deliberate effort by the Benue State Government to block his planned humanitarian visit to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and other facilities in the state.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Obi recounted the events surrounding his intended visits to Plateau and Benue States between April 13 and 14, 2025, highlighting what he termed as an “unjustifiable obstruction” by the Benue State authorities.
Obi noted that while the Plateau State Governor warmly received him and allowed him to interact with IDPs in Bokkos, the Benue State Government was unresponsive to his repeated efforts to formally notify them of his intended courtesy visit and outreach.
“I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor, my dear younger brother and a Reverend Father I deeply respect, but without success. His ADC assured me I would receive a callback, but that never came until Sunday evening,” Obi stated.
He further revealed that while en route to Makurdi from Jos on Monday morning, his security team was alerted to a press statement, reportedly issued by the Benue State Government, indicating that his visit was not approved and effectively barring his entry. The same statement was forwarded directly to Obi by the governor’s aide-de-camp.
Expressing disappointment, Obi emphasized that his visit was purely for humanitarian and developmental purposes, which included inspecting a nursing school in Gboko, supporting educational initiatives, and visiting an IDP camp to offer aid and solidarity to displaced citizens.
“This journey is about health, education, and care for our people. It is something I have done both before and during my political life. I was even granted presidential permission to visit Haiti during the earthquake disaster, so why should such goodwill be politicized here at home?” he queried.
Obi lamented the increasing trend of politicizing humanitarian efforts and called on leaders across the country to rise above political affiliations in matters concerning the welfare of Nigerians, especially those in vulnerable situations.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but live for the common good,” he concluded.
