Peter Obi Calls Out President Tinubu Over Lack of Immediate Response to Benue and Niger Tragedies

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his slow reaction to recent national tragedies, including the killings in Benue State and flooding in Niger State.

In a statement posted on X, Obi welcomed Tinubu’s decision to visit Benue State but expressed disappointment over the delay and the absence of a similar visit to flood-stricken areas in Niger State. Obi emphasized that the president’s delayed visits undermine the urgency required in responding to such disasters.

Obi wrote, “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this, I thank him. Even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger state that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently.”

He stressed that the loss of life in both Benue and Niger States is significant, with over 200 lives lost in each tragedy. In Mokwa, Niger State, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 remain missing due to floods. Obi highlighted that these numbers represent real families and communities devastated by these events.

Obi also criticized the notion of “leadership by remote control,” urging the president to visit disaster areas promptly rather than scheduling visits that seem ceremonial. He pointed out that the distances from Abuja to the affected areas are not far, comparing it to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s long trip to visit flood victims in Mthatha.

“If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people,” Obi said, calling for a leadership that values all Nigerian lives equally.

He concluded by urging the president to enhance security and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions and to demonstrate leadership through both presence and action.