MAKURDI, Nigeria – Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has explained the reasons behind his decision to caution former presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) against visiting his state, noting that Obi failed to follow the necessary protocols, especially regarding informing him of the proposed visit.
In an interview with TVC News’ “Beyond the Headlines,” on Friday, April 25, 2025, Governor Alia criticized Obi for bypassing the established protocols, particularly in informing the state government about his plans.
The governor refuted Obi’s claims that he attempted to reach him before announcing his visit, insisting that Obi’s efforts were not in accordance with the proper channels.
Peter Obi had earlier canceled his scheduled visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement from the state government, which warned against unscheduled visits, especially due to security concerns.
Obi had planned to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and health facilities in the state, but the government’s caution raised political undertones, which Obi decried, expressing disappointment that his charitable visit had been politicized.
Responding to Obi’s statement, Governor Alia explained, “I’m the one bearing the brunt and pains of the people in my state. The very respected Peter Obi was a governor, and if you’re coming to someone’s state, there are protocols.”
He emphasized that as the sitting governor, it was his responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the state’s residents, especially those in the IDP camps.
He questioned Obi’s intentions, stating, “If you’re coming to visit the people in the IDP camp, it is only courteous to inform the sitting governor, and even to provide more security for you.”
Alia further refuted Obi’s claim of having attempted to contact him, stating, “If he couldn’t reach out to me, I have a Chief of Staff, I have an SSG, and I also have a PPS.”
He stressed that it was not the duty of Obi’s aides to communicate on such matters, especially in sensitive areas like the IDP camps, where proper coordination is crucial to ensure safety.
The governor also voiced concern about the politicization of the IDP camps, stating, “I don’t want people politicizing the IDP. They were not there when we were suffering with them. They are not there in their own sorrow. I am there with my people.”
He further added, “If you’re bringing food to them, I need to know what kinds of food,” reiterating that proper protocols must be followed to protect both the visitors and the vulnerable IDPs.
Alia made it clear that, as the governor, he had a duty to safeguard the IDPs and the people of Benue State, asserting that no one could move in from Abuja and disrupt the state’s plans without proper coordination.
