Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia Explains Why Peter Obi Was Blocked from Visiting the State: 'He Didn't Follow Protocols' (Video)

 Governor Hyacinth Alia Explains His Decision to Block Peter Obi from Visiting the IDP Camp in Benue

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has provided a detailed explanation for his controversial decision to prevent Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, from visiting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the state. The decision has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the governor's motives and whether politics played a role in the restriction. Alia's statement comes amidst claims made by Obi and others that his planned visit was unfairly politicized.

Alia’s Explanation of the Situation

Alia’s reasoning for barring Obi from visiting the IDP camp centers around a violation of what he considers basic protocols and procedures. According to the governor, Obi, who was a former governor of Anambra State and a highly respected public figure, did not follow the standard protocol that governs visits by prominent individuals to the state. Specifically, Alia pointed out that Obi failed to inform him of his visit in advance, which he says is required out of courtesy when visiting a sitting governor’s state.

In an interview on Thursday, April 24, with TVC, Alia explained that Obi’s failure to inform him of his visit was not just an administrative oversight, but a breach of established protocols. The governor emphasized that when a highly influential person such as Obi, who has held a significant political office, is planning to visit any state, it is customary for them to notify the governor ahead of time. This, according to Alia, ensures that proper security measures are taken and that the local authorities can prepare accordingly.

“A very respected Peter Obi was a governor. If you are coming into someone’s state, there are protocols. Very high personality; you are coming into someone’s state, and your party does not even know you are coming. I, the sitting governor, did not know you were coming. Then you are going into where I’m protecting even the most, the IDP camp,” Alia remarked.

The Importance of Protecting IDP Camps

The governor further clarified that his primary concern was ensuring the safety and security of the displaced persons at the camp. Benue has been a focal point of displacement due to ongoing conflicts and violence, which have forced many people to leave their homes. Alia made it clear that as the governor of Benue, he is responsible for ensuring the safety of the IDPs and the security of any visitors who may come into contact with them.

The governor’s responsibility, Alia explained, was to safeguard the IDP camps, especially considering the vulnerable nature of the displaced persons. These individuals are already facing the hardships of displacement, and the governor believes it is his duty to protect them from any further risks. Without knowing Obi's intentions beforehand, Alia explained that he could not take any chances with the security of the camp or the people inside it.

“I need to protect them even more. I don’t know the intent you have,” Alia added. This comment reflects the governor's apprehension about the potential risks posed by an unannounced visit and underscores the importance he places on maintaining control over the safety of the IDPs.

Obi’s Alleged Failure to Follow Protocol

Governor Alia was also firm in his assertion that Obi did not follow the necessary protocols in arranging his visit. In a state where the governor holds the responsibility for the welfare and safety of all residents, especially those in IDP camps, Alia’s stance was that it was essential for Obi to reach out to him ahead of time.

“Is it not courteous enough for me to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security to you and prepare the minds of the IDPs that a guest is coming to visit them?” Alia asked rhetorically during the interview. He further emphasized that the visit would not only require security arrangements but also the preparation of the people at the IDP camp for a visitor, which he believed could have been achieved through prior communication.

Alia's comments point to a broader concern about the potential disruption or chaos that could arise from an unannounced visit, particularly in a sensitive environment like an IDP camp. According to the governor, while Peter Obi is a well-respected individual, the lack of communication about his visit left the authorities unprepared to manage the visit effectively and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

The Rejection of Claims of Unreachability

One of the significant points of contention in this situation was the claim made by Obi’s camp that Alia had been unreachable when they attempted to inform him about the visit. Obi and his supporters claimed that they tried to reach out to the governor to inform him about the planned visit but were unsuccessful. However, Alia strongly denied these allegations.

“No, that’s not the right narrative. I can never politicize that. I’m the one bearing the brunt, pain, and sorrows of the IDPs in my state,” Alia stated in the interview. The governor rejected the idea that he had been unresponsive, stating that he had several channels of communication available to him and that his office was always accessible. He also clarified that he had a Chief of Staff, a Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and a Principal Private Secretary (PPS) who could have been contacted if there were issues reaching him directly.

Alia’s response aimed to debunk the narrative that he was deliberately ignoring Obi’s attempts to communicate. By emphasizing the presence of these key personnel in his office, Alia indicated that any issues with communication could have been addressed through the appropriate channels.

Alia’s Stance on Security for Visitors

Alia also made it clear that his decision was not a personal or political attack on Obi, but rather a reflection of his responsibility as the sitting governor. Last week, the governor had made a public statement that he could not guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting Benue without his prior knowledge or approval.

This declaration came after he barred Obi from entering the state to visit the IDP camp. According to Alia, any visit, particularly to sensitive areas like IDP camps, required the governor’s clearance to ensure that proper security arrangements were in place. The governor’s statements reflect his belief that the safety of all visitors to Benue, regardless of their political affiliation or background, should be a top priority for his administration.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of anyone coming into this state without prior clearance," Alia asserted. This position underscores the governor’s commitment to security and the careful planning he believes is necessary to protect both residents and visitors in the state.

Obi’s Response and the Politicization of the Visit

Following the news that his visit had been blocked, Peter Obi took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his frustration and disappointment. In his post, Obi lamented that his planned visit to the IDP camp had been politicized, making it difficult for him to connect with the people in Benue who were in desperate need of support and assistance.

Obi’s message on social media indicated his belief that his efforts to visit the camp were being thwarted for political reasons rather than genuine concerns for security. He criticized the situation, suggesting that the political climate in the state was preventing a humanitarian effort from taking place.

The situation has sparked further debate about the role of politics in humanitarian work and whether political figures are being unfairly obstructed in their attempts to support displaced persons in Benue. Obi’s supporters have argued that the blocking of his visit was politically motivated, while Alia’s camp has maintained that the governor was simply following due process to ensure the safety of the IDPs and visitors.

Conclusion

The incident surrounding Peter Obi’s blocked visit to the IDP camp in Benue has become a flashpoint for political discussions, with both sides offering differing interpretations of the events. Governor Hyacinth Alia maintains that his actions were driven by concerns for security and adherence to protocols, while Peter Obi and his supporters have suggested that political motivations played a role in preventing his visit.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this issue will further inflame tensions between the two political figures or whether the focus will shift back to the critical humanitarian needs of the IDPs in Benue. What is clear is that the issue highlights the complexities of managing humanitarian aid and political visits in a politically charged environment, particularly when the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations are at stake.

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