Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stated that he deliberately prevented Peter Obi from accessing an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the state, accusing him of showing a lack of courtesy and protocol.
Speaking during a media chat in Makurdi, Governor Alia dismissed Obi’s earlier claims that security personnel had blocked his visit due to political interference. “Peter Obi did not seek proper clearance or notify the state government before his planned visit. He came into the state like a thief in the night,” the governor said.
Alia emphasized that while humanitarian gestures are welcome, “respect for due process and the dignity of state institutions must be maintained.” He alleged that Obi’s team ignored multiple official channels, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which coordinate such visits.
“We blocked him, yes — not because we’re against humanitarian help, but because there are procedures. You don’t just wake up and barge into sensitive humanitarian zones,” Alia added.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across political circles, with some accusing the governor of politicizing aid efforts, while others back his call for respect and coordination with state authorities.
– MADMO News
