Sunday, November 3, 2024

Nigeria is an IDP camp under Buhari: Peter Obi

Mr Obi made the assertion on Sunday at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Abagana, Makurdi, where he celebrated Christmas with the destitutes.

• December 25, 2022
Peter Obi in IDPs camp
Peter Obi in IDPs camp

As long as there are internally displaced persons dotting Nigeria, all Nigerians could be considered as living in an Internally Displaced Persons’ camp, said Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP).

Mr Obi made the assertion on Sunday at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Abagana, Makurdi, where he celebrated Christmas with the destitutes.

Speaking with the IDPs, Mr Obi said that their plight would not continue, adding that they should have hope that they would soon go back to their ancestral homes.

“What you are passing through is what Nigeria is passing through.

“As long as you remain here in the camp, Nigeria is not doing well. It is my desire that you will leave this camp and continue to do what you know best to do, which is farming.

“As long as you remain in IDP camp, Nigeria is in IDP,” he said.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria has witnessed proliferation of IDPs camps as displaced persons flee from insurgents and bandits who continue to sack villages and communities, especially in the North-East and North-Central. 

Benue has had its unfair share of invasion by bandits alleged to be herdsmen on expansionist mission.

Mr Obi expressed joy at celebrating Christmas with the displaced persons, saying that he was unhappy to see fellow Nigerians camped against their wishes in IDP camps.

“I cannot celebrate while you are in camps hence the decision to celebrate with you,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Emmanuel Shior, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that Mr Obi was the only presidential candidate that visited and celebrated Christmas with the IDPs.

Mr Shior said that the state has 12 officially recognised IDPs camps and seven unofficial camps hosting thousands of displaced persons.

He said that Mr Obi had visited to encourage and give hope to the over 10,000 IDPs in Abagana IDPs camp, stating that he donated N3 million to them. 

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

UNESCO

States

Stakeholders seek protection, welfare for journalists covering conflicts

Mr Badmos decried the inhuman workplaces and situations journalists work.

Abia state governor, Alex Otti

Politics

ZLP wins 15 chairmanship seats, YPP 2 in Abia LG poll

Mr Chima stated, “I congratulate the winners and the losers too.’’

Sunshine

NationWide

NiMet predicts three-day sunshine, cloudiness from Sunday

NiMet envisaged slight dust haze during the forecast period in the northern region on Monday.

David Umahi

NationWide

FG proposes N341 billion for emergency repair of roads, bridges

The minister said N341 billion had been proposed to repair roads and bridges nationwide in 2025, but the amount might be insufficient.

Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu

Hot news Home top

First Lady calls for unity among women to bridge leadership gap

The First Lady thanked all the women for their commitment, passion, and support for the party and the current administration.