Femi Fabunmi
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu for wearing a celebratory outfit duringhis recent visit to Benue State, where over 200 people were killed in violent attacks.
The killings happened in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, and were linked to armed herders fighting over land in the state.
President Tinubu visited Benue yesterday and promised to solve the crisis. But Obi said the president turned a condolence visit into a celebration. He expressed his disappointment on social media, saying the president should have shown sympathy and leadership during such a sad time.
Obi wrote:
“What happened to our compassion? We asked the President to visit Benue and Niger States in mourning, to show he cares for the families affected by the killings and flooding. But instead of a quiet, respectful visit, we saw a carnival.”
He said the president wore an agbada, which is usually worn at happy events, instead of clothes that show mourning. He also said the state government made things worse by declaring a public holiday, not for prayers, but to organize a celebration.
“Schools were closed. Children who lost their classmates and parents were made to line up in the rain, singing and dancing for the President. What kind of country does that?” Obi asked.
He added that the visit looked more like a political rally than a condolence visit. “Banners, music, and performances were everywhere. Meanwhile, people are grieving.”
Obi said the money used for the event could have been spent on food, shelters, medical care, and support for affected families. Instead, he said, “We chose to focus on appearance, not care.”
He compared Tinubu’s actions to other world leaders. “When President Ramaphosa visited flood victims in South Africa, there was no dancing. When Prime Minister Modi visited a crash site in India, no one lined up to cheer. They came quietly, mourned, and took action.”
Obi ended by calling on Nigerians to reflect:
“What kind of people have we become? Our nation is bleeding, yet we celebrate. This is not just insensitive—it’s dangerous.”
He said the lives lost must be remembered with respect. “These were real people—children, mothers, fathers. We should not turn their deaths into a show. A new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.
