The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged political leaders to adopt a depoliticised approach to national issues and prioritise the welfare of the less privileged.
Obi stated this on Monday in Abuja while explaining the circumstances surrounding the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue and Plateau.
He said that he had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue as part of his ongoing efforts at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting health and education initiatives.
He said that the visits, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, were to include courtesy calls on the governors of the two states, visits to IDP camps and interactions with some institutions, such as schools of nursing.
Obi said that he had reached out to the Plateau Government to notify it of the visit.
He stated that the Plateau governor had graciously welcomed him and provided all necessary support, allowing him to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.
The former presidential candidate, however, said that he was not able to establish direct contact with the Benue governor despite several attempts.
He said that he eventually succeeded in speaking with the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC) who informed him that the governor was engaged in an important meeting but promised to return his call before midnight.
Obi, however, said that the call never came and days later, the ADC messaged him, claiming he had been unable to reach the governor, a situation he described as ‘deeply troubling’.
He reiterated that his visit was driven purely by humanitarian motives to support critical areas of development, including health care, education and the welfare of displaced Nigerians.
The former Anambra governor reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to such causes, noting that even before his political career and consistently throughout it, he had remained devoted to initiatives for the common good.
“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.
Obi further stated that his visit to Benue would have taken him to a school under construction by the Bishop of Gboko, a nursing school and an IDP camp, reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.