Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly criticized the Benue State government for compelling students to queue by the roadside in the rain to welcome President Bola Tinubu during his Wednesday visit to the state.

President Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following deadly attacks by armed herders in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, and other parts of the state that resulted in numerous casualties.

Despite poor weather conditions and rainfall, students were lined up along Makurdi roads to welcome the President, a situation that drew Ezekwesili's ire.

"Conquered Souls" - Ezekwesili's Reaction

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Ezekwesili lamented that some of the children might belong to families mourning loved ones killed in the recent attacks.

"The saddest part is that some of these children may be from among the hundreds of families mourning their loved ones and yet are compelled to stand in the rain and give misleaders that have shown ZERO care for them a 'rousing welcome'," she wrote.

The former minister further criticized Nigeria's political class, suggesting that such actions reinforce their perceived immunity from accountability: "Things like this are why the uncaring political class of Nigeria has nothing to disincentivize their Bad Behavior and the Poor Governance it produces."

She added that Nigerian politicians often view citizens as "conquered souls" but hinted that this dynamic would not persist indefinitely, referencing "that one Factor that our politicians never add to their equation when they become carried away with and drunk on Public Power."

President Tinubu's visit to Benue comes amid escalating security concerns in the state, particularly regarding violent clashes between herders and local communities that have resulted in significant loss of life.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the treatment of students during official visits and the politicization of condolence visits in the wake of tragedy.

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