Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as lacking compassion and out of touch with the grief of the people affected by mass killings and flooding.
In a post shared via his verified social media handle, Obi condemned what he called a flamboyant and celebratory atmosphere that marked the President’s trip, stating that such conduct was inappropriate amid national mourning.
“What has happened to our compassion as a people?” Obi asked in the statement. “We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed a similar number in Niger State.”
Obi noted that rather than a solemn and reflective visit, the President arrived in “celebratory agbada attire,” as though attending a festive event. He stated that such optics would have been more fitting had the visit been to commission the long-neglected Enugu–Makurdi highway, a major route that links the South and North of Nigeria and has remained in deplorable condition for years.
The former governor also expressed dismay at how the state government handled the visit. According to him, instead of declaring a day of mourning or organizing community support efforts, the state declared a public holiday and closed schools—not to reflect or pray, but to organize fanfare.
“Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President. In what kind of country does this happen?” Obi questioned.
He lamented the trend of turning condolence visits into political carnivals, complete with banners, music, and rehearsed performances. “Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally,” he said.
According to Obi, the resources expended on the President’s reception could have been used to provide food, medical aid, temporary shelter, or trauma counselling for the affected families.
Drawing comparisons with leaders in other countries, Obi referenced South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom he said demonstrated humility and action in moments of national tragedy without media fanfare or staged displays.
“We must ask ourselves: What kind of people have we become? Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war, yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping,” Obi said.
He concluded with a call for national reflection and genuine compassion, warning that, “When very sad incidents like this turn into campaigns or festivals, our nation is losing its soul.”
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he affirmed.