Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has accused former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of breaching protocol ahead of a cancelled visit to the state.

Speaking on TVC News’ programme Beyond the Headlines, Alia criticised Obi for failing to properly inform the state government of his intended trip, which included visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and health facilities.

“The very respected Peter Obi was a governor, and if you’re coming to someone’s state, there are protocols,” Alia said. “You’re a person of very strong personality, and you’re coming to someone’s state — your party does not know, I, the sitting governor, do not know, and you’re going to where I’m protecting people — the IDP camp. It is my duty to protect them.”

Obi, who had earlier cancelled his trip citing security concerns raised by the state government, expressed disappointment over what he described as the politicisation of charitable efforts.

But Alia dismissed claims that Obi attempted to reach him, stating, “His attempts to say he reached me is not the true story. If he couldn’t reach me, I have a Chief of Staff, an SSG, and a PPS. Saying he reached out to my ADC is not true — that’s not even the duty of the ADC.”

The governor stressed the need for official communication and security preparations ahead of such visits.

“I don’t know the intent you have. Is it not courteous enough to inform the sitting governor, even so I could provide more security for you, and prepare the minds of the IDPs that you’re coming to visit them?” he added.

Alia also insisted that the welfare of the IDPs should not be politicised.

“They were not there when we were suffering with them. They are not there in their sorrow. I am there with my people. If you’re bringing food to them, I need to know what kinds of food. There are protocols we must observe.”

Obi had maintained that his planned visit was strictly humanitarian, not political.