By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Terhemen Tarzoor, has criticised Peter Obi over his recent visit to Benue State, accusing the former presidential candidate of failing to observe appropriate protocol and show respect for constituted authority.
Tarzoor, who spoke with journalists in Makurdi, alleged that Obi may have been misled by members of his political team in the state, particularly the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Terhemba Shija.
He argued that as a former governor and prominent political figure, Obi should have formally notified Governor Hyacinth Alia of his visit as a matter of courtesy and protocol.
“As a Nigerian, you are free to travel anywhere you want in Nigeria. But for a personality like His Excellency, former Governor Peter Obi, he ought to follow the right channels,” Tarzoor said.
According to him, notifying the governor would not have prevented Obi from carrying out his planned activities but could have helped avoid the controversy surrounding the visit.
Tarzoor alleged that Obi’s political team may have advised against contacting Alia because of political differences between the governor and members of the opposition.
“I strongly believe he was misled by his team on the ground. There is a difference between the law and politics,” he said.
The former Speaker and one-time governorship candidate urged Obi to review his political team to prevent similar controversies as he continues his political engagements across the country.
Tarzoor also referred to Obi’s previous attempt to contact Alia ahead of an April 2025 visit to Benue, arguing that other channels could have been explored if direct communication with the governor proved unsuccessful.
He said Obi, as a Knight of St. John, could have sought the intervention of senior Catholic leaders to establish contact with Alia, a Catholic priest.
Tarzoor further argued that if Obi notified the Plateau State Government before visiting that state, similar courtesy should have been extended to the Benue governor.
He consequently called on Obi to tender an “unreserved apology” to Alia and ensure that future visits follow appropriate protocol.
“You want to rule Nigeria; you should learn as much as possible to lead by example,” Tarzoor said, adding that political leaders should be willing to engage even those who disagree with them.
Tarzoor, who is also the Renewed Hope Coordinator in Benue State, maintained that the controversy could have been avoided through better communication between Obi’s team and the state government.
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