Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, said his planned visit to Benue State on Monday, which was aborted by the state government, was driven purely for humanitarian purposes.
The state governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, cancelled the visit, and said he was engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting the state.
Obi who was on his way to Markudi, Benue State capital when he received the notice of cancellation, explained that his itinerary included courtesy call on the state governor, visit to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, and interactions with institutions such as school of nursing.
He stated that the aim was to support “critical areas of development, including health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians.”
The former presidential candidate who made similar visit to Jos, Plateau State on Sunday said, his security team shared his itinerary with the aide-de-camp (ADC), and security operatives in Benue, but expressed worry that the ADC claimed he had been unable to reach the governor.
Obi expressed concern about the development, noting that he has long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, even before his political career.
“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.
According to him, his intended engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the bishop in Gboko Diocese, a nursing school, and an IDP camp.
Obi appealed for a depoliticised approach to national issues, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the welfare of the less privileged.
“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need,” he prayed.
