Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's recent visit to Benue State following attacks that claimed approximately 200 lives, stating that the president "chose optics over empathy" by wearing celebratory attire instead of mourning clothes.
The criticism comes after Tinubu visited Benue State on Tuesday, where he promised to address the crisis caused by recent attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. The attacks, reportedly linked to armed herders with interests in Benue lands, resulted in significant casualties.
Condolence Visit Turned Carnival
In a detailed statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed disappointment that what should have been a solemn visit was transformed into a celebratory event.
"The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy," Obi stated. "Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than being in mourning mood and weeping, [they] declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare."
Obi further lamented that schools were shut down and 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."
Comparing Leadership Styles
The former presidential candidate contrasted Tinubu's approach with that of other world leaders during times of national tragedy. He cited examples of South African President Ramaphosa's visit to Mthatha after floods and Indian Prime Minister Modi's response to a crash site, noting that neither leader organized celebrations during their visits.
"When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums. No staged crowds. No rented cheers. Just presence, silence, and action," Obi observed.
He added that the resources used for organizing the "charade" could have been better directed toward providing food supplies, temporary shelters, medical aid, school support, and trauma counseling for grieving families.
Call for Compassionate Leadership
Obi concluded his statement by questioning the nation's values and calling for more compassionate leadership. "When very sad incidents like this turn to campaign or festival, our Nation [is] Losing Its Soul. A new Nigeria is POssible!" he wrote.
President Tinubu had, during his visit, assured Benue residents that he values the lives of Nigerians more than cows and promised to tackle the ongoing crisis in the state.
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