Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.

On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.

On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.

As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted.
In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get that call until Sunday evening when he sent me a message stating he had not been able to reach his principal since the day I called. I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days.

However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi. Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the Governors ADC sent the statement directly to me.

The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.

I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.

Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.

I intended to visit a school being built by the bishop in Gboko, a Nursing school and an IDP camp, actions that reflect my genuine care for the welfare of our fellow citizens, and my continuous show of love, care and compassion to citizens who have been displaced.

May God help us as we rebuild our nation and aim to achieve a new Nigeria where we do not politicize everything but allow citizens to exist, and we all should live for the common good for less privileged Nigerians and those in need.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Peter Obi

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/8398133/gov-alia-warns-against-political

Who made that Benue State governor a Catholic priest? Instead of stopping the marauders from wiping out his people, he's more interested in stopping people from offering help to the IDPs.

Even if he calls it a political visit, the most important thing is that the IDPs are getting the help he obviously cannot offer them.

Why are they threatened by a man whom they say is a paperweight politician? A man whose Obidient movement is likened to andrews liver salt?
The governor’s action can be considered as childish to say the least.

Let it be known that the governor of benue state is a Catholic priest

Peter Obi's supporters are the most toxic set of people on earth

you can’t be playing agulu politics with every negative situation in the country ! You can’ only fool your miscreants, a 6 months old enlightened baby can’t see through your agulu hypocrisy !if I were to be the governor, and you over stepped your boundary, i will give you the criminal treatment !

tundegan:
Peter Obi's supporters are the most toxic set of people on earth

Spam bot shut the hell up if you have nothing useful to say.
Spits.

This is very pathetic from Obi.

How will a governor who is a priest issue a statement preventing you from visiting his state? Is it not obvious that you are trying to politicize your visit?

Sorry, who are u again...?

Governor Alitalia is a big fool. No wonder they are killing his people on a daily basis because he plays politics with their lives.

Provalker:
Why are they threatened by a man whom they say is a paperweight politician? A man whose Obidient movement is likened to andrews liver salt?
The governor’s action can be considered as childish to say the least.

Be sincere with yourselves and shun tribalism,it’s obi’s behaviour that is childish and stupid

tundegan:
Peter Obi's supporters are the most toxic set of people on earth

Mr Bot. What you need in your life is toxicity.

They said he wouldn't get up to one million votes in the last election, e shock their Papa.

ImpartialGuy:
Who made that Benue State governor a Catholic priest? Instead of stopping the marauders from wiping out his people, he's more interested in stopping people from offering help to the IDPs.

Even if he calls it political visit, the most important thing is that the IDPs are getting the help he obviously cannot offer them.

Father Alia have more chances to become the next president of Nigeria than that lying machine in Anambra

Peter Obi should have gone to the school and the IDP camp instead of visiting the governor.

This one na crying for sympathy. Peter Obi should stop being petty. The issue of the Benue state government letter is being exaggerated by him.

Why is he always seeking for unnecessary validation from others? Stop being petty, it's not good for your health

Governor that can't stop Fulani militia from visiting his kinsmen with death but has power to stop the one bringing the good wishes

tundegan:
Peter Obi's supporters are the most toxic set of people on earth

How ?

Obviously the benue governor is working for Fulani terrorists. I wonder who made him a priest!

This country will take a turn for good.....

Sit down put for your region

Wetin you self dey find updadan . Is that how the Northerners have been showing concern about events in Southern part of Nigeria. You can't force yourself on them, reduce your generosity to the Southern region. Charity things

Unnecessary eye service

With actions like that of the Benue governor, Peter Obi will continue to gain popularity and supports across Nigeria and beyond.

In fact, before now, I wasn't sure whom to support in 2027 but with this action, my mind is made up. It is Peter Obi forever!

Let haters of ndigbo go and die

Salewa97:
This is very pathetic from Obi.

How will a governor who is a priest issue a statement preventing you from visiting his state? Is it not obvious that you are trying to politicize your visit?

It's not easy to identify fo.ols... their modus operandi is the same. He said in his statement that the ADC sent him a message. Isn't that enough evidence?

Oponu aye ati orun!

helinues:
Sit down put for your region

Wetin you self dey find updadan . Is that how the Northerners have been showing concern about events in Southern part of Nigeria.

Unnecessary eye service

He should sit down when the useless SW president has nothing to offer the hunger and poor Nigerian he has created. Is this why u sit at home daily while your mother feeds and pay ur rent.How long will it continue before she goes back to that evilly alter to make another demand about u.Does the drug baron care about the south or just SW.
He will definitely be removed by 2027.what obi is doing now is child play to what we all will be doing by 2027.
When is the information from Chicago hitting us.He will end in shame

Streetinvestor2:
He should sit down when the useless SW president has nothing to offer the hunger and poor Nigerian he has created. Is this why u sit at home daily while your mother feeds and pay ur rent.How long will it continue before she goes back to that evilly alter to make another demand about u.Does the drug baron care about the south or just SW.
He will definitely be removed by 2027.what obi is doing now is child play to what we all will be doing by 2027.
When is the information from Chicago hitting us.He will end in shame

Make I just Waka pass this

ImpartialGuy:
Who made that Benue State governor a Catholic priest? Instead of stopping the marauders from wiping out his people, he's more interested in stopping people from offering help to the IDPs.

Even if he calls it a political visit, the most important thing is that the IDPs are getting the help he obviously cannot offer them.

Fool is more interested in playing politics than the welfare of his people! There’s something about APC that zombifies any south-east, south-south and middle-belt person selfish and power-hungry enough to join them!

Thiefņubu and his APC are shameless, I swear
.

To say I’m disappointed at Fr Alia is an understatement.

This was the last thing I expected from someone who studied philosophy and theology to do.

You dare disrespect a Papal Knight because of political differences.

Truly, there’s nothing APC cannot corrupt.

APC can turn a priest to be a witch.