Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has defended his decision to block former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from visiting an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the state.
In an interview with TVC on Thursday, Governor Alia cited a breach of protocol and lack of prior notification as the reason for his action, stating that Mr Obi’s intentions were unclear.
“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,” the governor said.
He added, “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. It’s my duty to protect them. They’ve been displaced. I need to protect them even some more. I don’t know the intent you have.”
Governor Alia also questioned the lack of formal communication from Mr Obi or his party regarding the planned visit.
“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?” he asked.
Responding to reports that Mr Obi attempted to reach him but was unsuccessful, Governor Alia said that his office remains accessible through multiple channels.
“No, that’s not the right narrative. I can never politicise that. I’m the one bearing the brunt, pain and sorrows of the IDPs in my state,” he stated. “No. That’s not the true story. If he (Mr Obi) couldn’t reach me, I have a chief of staff, I have an SSG, (and) I have a PPS. That’s not true.”