Citypost News Desk
Agulu Political Mandate Forum Blasts Governor Alia Over Alleged Ban on Peter Obi’s Visit to Benue IDP Camps and Health Institutions
The Agulu Political Mandate Forum (APMF) on April 17, 2025 strongly condemned the reported action of the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for allegedly stopping the former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, from visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and health institutions in Benue State.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to Governor Alia and signed by over 30 prominent members of the Agulu Political Mandate Forum, the group described the action as a “show of shame” and a gross violation of Obi’s fundamental right to freedom of movement.
Comparing Obi to legendary figures in Greek mythology like Hercules and Odysseus, APMF stated that Peter Obi is a “superhuman” and a “national asset” whose mission in Benue State was purely humanitarian, to identify with victims of violent attacks and show solidarity with displaced farmers and citizens enduring hardship.
According to the Forum, the reason given by the Benue State Government that Obi’s visit was a “political charity” was both “ridiculous and embarrassing.” They condemned the insinuation that Obi should focus on feeding “hungry Anambra people,” asserting that neither Anambra nor Benue are hungry states, but are instead known for their industrious populations.
“The claim that Peter Obi’s visit was unwelcome because it was politically motivated is laughable. Men and women of goodwill from across Nigeria have shown solidarity with the people of Benue. Why is Peter Obi’s case different? Why the hostility?” the group queried.
The letter criticized Governor Alia’s background as a Catholic priest, expressing disappointment that a supposed religious leader could act contrary to the Church’s tradition of compassion and corporal works of mercy. “The Christian community and Roman Catholic Church must be ashamed of this show of shame by a Reverend Father turned politician,” APMF stated.
They further advised that any priest who intends to venture into politics should resign their clerical position instead of “pretending to be one and going against Christian virtues.”
The Forum called on Governor Alia to issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi for what they termed as the infringement of his civic rights. They also demanded an apology to the people of Anambra and Benue States, and to the displaced persons at the IDP camps for what they see as an insult to their sensibilities.
“Mr. Peter Obi is not just a political leader, he represents the hopes of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a New Nigeria. Restricting his movements is akin to silencing the voices of the Nigerian people,” the letter emphasized.
Signed by:
- K. Nweze Agajelu (Nweze Anaocha)
- Ichie-ukwu Julius Ogwo (Ichie Ukwu Aguiyi) Patron
- Chief Ben Obi (Mbuze Agulu) Patron
- Sir Churchill Chiekelue (Eze Omeogo)
- Chief Jideofor Chiekelue (Ceaser)
- Comrade Obienyem Gabriel (JP) (Ebubedike)
- Barr. Anny Ilokoye (Anyafulu Ozo)
- Mr. Celestine Mmaduagwu (Catechist)
- Chief Kenechukwu Onwuka (Ichie-Ohuefi)
- Mr. Johnbull Ifedigbo Css
- Chief Kenneth Ejide
- Chief Chizoba Okafor (Ichaka China)
- Chief Umegbolu Izuchukwu
- Chief Emeka Nduakpo
- Mr. Chika Nduka
- Mr. Ezeani Chinonso Stanley (Stanley Nwa Agulu)
- Mr. Obienyem Onyekwelu
- Chief Augustine Okafor
- Chief Sunday Okpala
- Prince JMC Okafor (Okwuluora-nkenge)
- Mr. Ndubuisi Valentine (South Nwa Agulu)
- Comrade Adigom Chinonso
- Mr. Olisa Nduka
- Mr Chris Mmuogbuo Pick n Pay (Obuejiamatu).
- Mr. Cajethan Asuzu (Uduakommili)
- Mr. Iyke Maduka (Omeifejideofor)
- Mr. Nduka Chika
- Mr. Nkamuo Emeka
- Mr. Nwankwo Sunday
- Chief Chukwuebuka Obiekwe (Odunze Agulu)
- Mr. Odinukwe William
- Engr. Uche Anukenyi Benedict (Osibeike)
The Forum concluded the letter with a prayer for divine intervention and leadership founded on empathy and justice.
