Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, stating it lacked empathy and failed to capture the gravity of the tragedy that befell the region.
In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Obi expressed dismay at the President’s demeanor during the visit, noting that the event resembled a political rally rather than a solemn condolence trip to a mourning community.
“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,” Obi stated.
He further lamented that President Tinubu’s conduct and the atmosphere in Benue were celebratory instead of reflective and mournful.
“The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also condemned the Benue State Government for declaring a public holiday in honour of the President’s visit, alleging it was used to organise festivities rather than a time of solemn remembrance.
“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.
Obi decried what he called a growing trend of turning tragic events into political spectacles.
“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.”
To illustrate the kind of leadership he expects during national tragedies, Obi drew comparisons with global leaders.
“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.”
“When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted.”
“That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain,” he said.
He warned that the government’s handling of such sensitive events could erode the nation’s moral compass.
“These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice.
When very sad incidents like this turn to campaign or festival, our nation is losing its soul,” Obi said.
President Tinubu had visited Benue State on Wednesday following an attack that claimed over 100 lives. During a town hall meeting, he instructed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” the President said while addressing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
He also visited survivors receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. The President was accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
