Peter Obi has criticized the Benue State Government for obstructing his planned humanitarian visit to IDP camps and health facilities. The former presidential candidate emphasized the need to separate politics from compassion and called for a new Nigeria rooted in unity and care for the vulnerable.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over what he described as an attempt to obstruct his humanitarian visit to Benue State. In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi narrated the challenges he encountered in planning a courtesy call on the Benue State Governor and visits to displaced persons and healthcare institutions.
According to Obi, the visit was part of a broader humanitarian effort that included a stop in Plateau State, where he was warmly received by local authorities and had the opportunity to engage with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bokkos. The Benue leg of the journey, however, hit a roadblock. Repeated attempts to secure formal approval or reach the governor reportedly went unanswered. He eventually received a government-issued press statement that appeared to discourage the visit.
"I’ve endured many political setbacks since I declared for the presidency, but this situation is disheartening because it concerns basic compassion and care for fellow Nigerians," Obi said. He noted that the planned visits were meant to support educational and health initiatives, particularly in IDP camps and a nursing school under development in Gboko.
Obi questioned why a humanitarian visit would be treated with such resistance, especially when the goal was to support vulnerable citizens. "If we cannot separate politics from humanitarian work, then we have a long way to go in rebuilding this country," he warned.
While expressing hope that the situation was not orchestrated by the governor himself—whom he referred to respectfully—Obi insisted that a “new Nigeria” must prioritize compassion over political rivalry.
The former Anambra State governor has long championed grassroots development and has continued similar efforts even after the 2023 general election. His emphasis on human capital, education, and social welfare remains central to his political identity.
As Obi concluded his statement, he reminded Nigerians of the bigger picture: “May God help us as we aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything.”
