Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi claims that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue state was heartless and did not adequately convey the severity of the terrible death toll.
On Thursday, Obi posted this on his X account.
He said that the president’s behaviour during the visit was disappointing and that it more closely resembled a political rally than a visit to offer condolences to a community in mourning.
“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.”
However, he lamented that the President’s demeanour and the celebratory mood in Benue did not convey sadness.
“The President arrived dressed in festive agbada attire rather than mourning clothes, as if it were a joyous occasion.”
Obi lambasted the Benue state administration for deciding to observe a public holiday, claiming that the day was spent planning hoopla rather than introspection or prayer.
“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?” he queried.
He added, “We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals.
“A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles.”
Obi compared the President’s visit with examples of leadership from other countries.
“When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums.
“When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted.
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“That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain,” he said.
He warned that the current approach was eroding the soul of the nation.
“These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice.
“When very sad incidents like this turn to a campaign or festival, our nation is losing its soul,” Obi said.
Tinubu had visited Benue State on Wednesday, following an attack that claimed over 100 lives.
During a town hall meeting, he ordered security agencies to arrest the perpetrators.
“We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” the President told the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Tinubu also visited victims of the attack who are receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
He was accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
