The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on National Programs, Civil Society, Voter Education, and Strategic Interventions, Solomon Semaka, has accused Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, of attempting to use Benue State as a platform to boost his political relevance.
In a statement issued on Monday, Semaka criticized Obi’s planned visit to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the state, describing it as “political charity.” He alleged that the former Anambra State governor was disguising political motives under the guise of humanitarian concern.
“Mr. Peter Obi cannot ambush Benue State with charity. Even the United Nations does not operate this kind of charity model,” Semaka said. “What he planned to do was nothing short of a political maneuver disguised as humanitarian work, and the people of Benue are wiser now.”
Semaka further accused Obi of having a pattern of what he called “emotional blackmail and mind games,” aimed at exploiting the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians for political survival. He suggested the visit was part of an effort to reposition himself ahead of potential political realignments.
The remarks follow Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive restricting unauthorized visits by high-profile individuals to Benue State, citing security concerns. The policy, according to the governor, is intended to manage movement and prevent activities that could disrupt the state’s fragile security landscape.
Obi had recently expressed frustration over his inability to reach Governor Alia before his proposed visit to IDP camps in the state — a development Semaka dismissed as “bad charity etiquette” and a calculated attempt to bypass due process.
Reaffirming the state government’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Semaka said Governor Alia remains focused on governance and would not be distracted by political theatrics.
“Benue State is currently in the hands of a bold, courageous, and fearless leader who will not succumb to cheap political antics,” the statement concluded
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