By Divine Sam
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed strong disapproval over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s failure to visit Benue State following the recent mass killings that claimed over 200 lives.
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi described the president’s absence and delayed response as a sign that human life is not valued by the current administration. His remarks come amid widespread national outrage over the lack of decisive action and empathy from the presidency in the aftermath of the attack allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen.
Obi referenced similar tragedies in other countries where national leaders acted swiftly and compassionately. He recalled how, following a devastating plane crash in India, the country’s Prime Minister promptly visited the crash site. In South Africa, the President personally met with communities affected by flooding that claimed dozens of lives.
He contrasted these acts of leadership with the silence and physical absence witnessed in Nigeria. “Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, including innocent men, women, children, and even security personnel, were brutally killed in Benue State. Yet, not a single presidential visit or meaningful engagement with the victims’ families has occurred,” Obi lamented.
He also pointed to a recent flood disaster in Niger State that reportedly killed nearly 200 people. Despite the tragedy’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, there was no presidential presence or condolence visit.
Obi emphasized that leadership must be defined not just by title, but by empathy and responsibility. “Nigeria does not just need another president; it needs a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until such leaders are chosen based on these core values, the cycle of grief and injustice will persist,” he stated.
Obi’s statement adds to the growing calls for the Federal Government to show greater sensitivity and prompt action in times of national tragedies.