Peter Obi Addresses Cancellation of Benue State Visit, Cites Political Reasons
Unexpected Halt to Humanitarian Mission
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, has publicly addressed the sudden cancellation of his scheduled visit to Benue State. In a statement released on Monday, the former Anambra governor revealed the circumstances surrounding the abrupt halt to his planned humanitarian trip.
Planned Engagement with IDPs and Communities
The visit, originally scheduled for April 14, was intended as part of Obi’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations across Nigeria. This would have followed his successful engagement with internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Bokkos camp in Plateau State, where he had previously met with victims of communal crises.
Communication Breakdown with State Government
Despite prior notifications to Benue State officials, Obi encountered significant difficulties in establishing contact with the state’s leadership. Multiple attempts to reach the Governor proved unsuccessful, leaving the presidential candidate without confirmation about the status of his visit.
Key development: While traveling to Makurdi, Obi’s security team intercepted an official press release from the Benue State Government announcing the cancellation of his visit. Notably, this statement contained details that matched the itinerary Obi had previously shared with state security personnel.
Humanitarian Focus Amid Political Tensions
Obi emphasized that his planned activities in Benue were strictly humanitarian in nature, including visits to:
- IDP camps housing displaced Nigerians
- Local nursing schools
- Community development projects
Obi’s Official Statement
“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Obi confirmed. He expressed deep concern about the political implications surrounding the cancellation, stating: “This is deeply troubling. I have always been committed to supporting Nigerians, especially in times of crisis, and will not be deterred by political machinations.”
Commitment to Continued Humanitarian Work
Concluding his statement, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to serving vulnerable populations: “The people in need must remain our primary focus, and my efforts will continue, regardless of the political challenges we face.”
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