Semaka also reiterated that Gov Alia’s govt is committed to its partnership with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Benue State governor’s aide, Solomon Semaka has accused Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi of attempting to use the North-Central state as a platform for political relevance.
Semaka, who is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on National Programs, Civil Society, Voter Education, and Strategic Interventions, made this known on Monday in a statement he issued and made available to journalists.
TheNiche had earlier reported that Obi recently lamented his inability to reach Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of his planned visit to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in his state.
According to him, he had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed at supporting IDPs and promoting health and education initiatives.
He added that the visits planned for Sunday, April 13 in Plateau, and Monday, April 14 in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the state governors.
The former Anambra State governor further said as it was his customary practice, he reached out to the Plateau State government to notify them of his intended visit, adding that the governor of the state graciously welcomed him and provided all necessary support which enabled him to spend meaningful time at the Bokkos IDP camp.
He, however, stated that all his efforts to reach his Benue State counterpart proved abortive.
ALSO READ: How Governor Alia blocked my humanitarian visit to Benue IDP camp, other places – Obi
Responding to the allegation, Semaka described Obi’s planned visit to IDP camps in Benue as “political charity,” alleging that he was disguising political maneuvers as humanitarian concern.
The governor’s aide further claimed that Obi had a history of “emotional blackmail and mind games” targeted at exploiting the plight of vulnerable Nigerians for personal political survival.
He went on to say the LP chieftain was trying to raise his profile ahead of possible political realignments by leveraging humanitarian visits to states like Benue.
The statement read, “Mr Peter Obi cannot ambush Benue State with charity. Even the United Nations does not operate this kind of charity model. What he planned to do was nothing short of a political maneuver disguised as humanitarian work, and the people of Benue are wiser now.”
He went on to label Obi’s claim as “bad charity etiquette” and a deliberate attempt to force his way into the state without proper engagement.
Semaka reiterated the administration’s commitment to its partnership with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and noted that Governor Alia would not allow political distractions to derail ongoing governance efforts in the state.
“Benue State is currently in the hands of a bold, courageous, and fearless leader who will not succumb to cheap political antics,” he added.
