Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has explained why he cautioned the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, from visiting his state.
Alia, who spoke during an interview with TVC news — ‘Beyond the headlines…’ faulted Obi for failing to adhere to protocols, especially informing the governor of the state.
He further rubbished Obi’s claims that he attempted to reach him.
Recall that Obi had cancelled his scheduled visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement issued by the state government as the reason for shelving the trip.
Obi had expressed disappointment over the political undertones surrounding the visit, saying the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country.
The LP chieftain had planned courtesy visits and stops at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and health facilities in the state, but a statement from the state government warned against unscheduled visits, citing security concerns.
Reacting to Obi’s statement, Alia said: “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”.
“You’re a person of very strong personality, and you’re coming to someone’s state, and your party does not know that you’re coming, and I, the sitting governor, did not know that you’re coming, and you’re going to where I’m protecting people i.e. the IDP camp. It is my duty to protect them.
“So, I don’t know the intent you have. Is it not courteous enough just to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security for you, and to prepare the minds of the IDP that you’re coming to visit them?
“His attempts to say he reached me is not the true story. If he couldn’t reach out to me, I have a Chief of Staff, I have an SSG, and I also have a PPS. Saying he reached out to my ADC is not true. That’s not even the duty of the ADC either.
“How would I have known that Peter Obi’s intent is just to come and visit these people at the IDP? I don’t want people politicizing the IDP. They were not there when we were suffering with them. They are not there in their sorrow. I am there with my people.
“If you’re bringing some food to them, I need to know what kinds of food. This is a fact, and there are protocols. We need to observe them. You can just move in from Abuja, and say you’re moving to IDP. Do I know the intent of why you’re visiting the IDP? I’ve to know, so that no one is coming to attack them.”
