Peter Obi lied: I Blocked His Visit to Benue Because He Did Not Respect Me

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has confirmed that he blocked former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader Peter Obi from visiting an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Benue, citing a breach of protocol and lack of prior notification.​

In an interview with TVC, Governor Alia stated that Mr. Obi did not inform him or his office about the intended visit, which he deemed a violation of standard protocols. He emphasized the importance of notifying the state authorities, especially when visiting sensitive areas like IDP camps, to ensure proper security arrangements and preparedness. Governor Alia also refuted claims that he was unreachable, noting that Mr. Obi could have contacted his chief of staff, secretary to the state government, or principal private secretary .​

In response, Peter Obi expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that his visit was purely humanitarian, aimed at supporting IDPs and other vulnerable groups in Benue. He mentioned that he attempted to reach Governor Alia directly without success and later contacted the governor's aide-de-camp (ADC), who promised to relay the message. Despite these efforts, Obi said he received a press statement from the Benue State Government indicating that his visit was not approved, which he perceived as a politicization of humanitarian efforts .​

The incident has sparked discussions about the interplay between protocol, security, and humanitarian initiatives, highlighting the need for clear communication and collaboration between political figures and state authorities to effectively address the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations.