Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Benue Visit: “Condolence Visit Now Carnival”
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as lacking compassion and failing to reflect the gravity of the tragic loss of lives.
Obi expressed disappointment over the President’s conduct during the visit, saying it resembled a political rally rather than a condolence trip to a grieving community¹.
The Visit
Tinubu 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, saying, “We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.” The President also visited victims of the attack receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital¹.
Obi’s Criticism
Obi lamented that the President’s appearance and the atmosphere in Benue did not reflect mourning, but rather celebration. “The President arrived not in mourning clothes but in celebratory agbada attire, like it were an occasion for joy,” Obi said. He condemned the decision by the Benue State Government to declare a public holiday for the visit, alleging that the day was used to organize fanfare instead of prayer or reflection.
Also Read: Pastor Enenche Advises Tinubu On How To End The Killings to In Benue State
Leadership Comparison
Obi compared Tinubu’s visit to examples of leadership from other countries, citing President Ramaphosa’s visit to Mthatha after floods in South Africa and Prime Minister Modi’s response to a crash. “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 said, highlighting the difference in approach.
Nation’s Soul
Obi 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 a festival, our nation is losing its soul,” he said, emphasizing the need for compassion and solemnity in times of crisis.
Additional Reports
The visit was also marked by challenges, with Tinubu’s convoy encountering severe flooding on the Makurdi-Lafia highway. The flooding forced the presidential convoy to slow down and navigate waterlogged sections of the road.