In response to President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized the president, emphasizing that he “chose optics over empathy.”
Obi charged that Tinubu had not worn mourning clothes to Benue State, but rather festive dress.
About 200 persons were slain in the most recent wave of attacks in Benue State’s Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
Armed herders who are interested in Benue lands have been connected to the attacks.
Tinubu pledged to address the situation during his visit to the state yesterday.
Obi responded by saying that the president’s condolence visit had been transformed into a funfair.
“What has happened to our compassion as a People?” he posted on X.
“In the midst of intense national mourning, we urged the President to exercise leadership and travel to Benue and Niger States to show empathy and support to families devastated by the senseless killing of more than 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that claimed an equal number in Niger State.
“But what we saw in Benue visit was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of reconstructed Enugu-Makurdi highway, a critical road connecting South and Northern Nigeria which had become impassable for years.
“The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy.
“Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than been in mourning mood and weeping declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare. Schools were shut down. 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?
“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. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally.
“This is not the conduct of any caring country. Food supplies, temporary shelters, medical assistance, school support, and trauma counseling for bereaved families might have been funded with the time, money, and logistics invested in this charade. Rather, we prioritized appearances over compassion.
“Look elsewhere: There were no drums in Mthatha when President Ramaphosa arrived following the South African rains. No crowds that have been staged. No rented cheers. Just action, stillness, and presence.
“No one waited in line to greet Prime Minister Modi when he visited the crash scene. He arrived, wept, and took action. In times of suffering, that is how leadership manifests itself.
“What kind of people have we become?” is a question we must ask ourselves.
“Enough of this impunity culture. Our country is bleeding and we are applauding even though we are not at war. It is harmful in addition to being insensitive.
Remember that they were people—children, women, fathers—whose blood begs for justice.
“Our nation is losing its soul when tragic events like this turn into campaigns or festivals.” It’s possible for Nigeria to change! -PO
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