Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing the event as lacking genuine compassion and failing to acknowledge the tragic loss of over 200 lives in recent attacks. Obi took to his official X account on Thursday to express his disappointment, stating that the visit resembled a political rally rather than a solemn condolence trip to a grieving community.
Obi pleaded that the President should have demonstrated leadership by visiting Benue and Niger states in a spirit of national mourning to show solidarity with families affected by the massacres and flooding. Instead, Obi lamented, the President arrived dressed in celebratory agbada attire, and the atmosphere was more festive than mournful.
He condemned the Benue State Government’s decision to declare a public holiday for the visit, which he said turned into a day of fanfare rather than reflection. “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,” Obi said, questioning the appropriateness of such a display.
Obi further stated, “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.” He contrasted this with leadership examples from other countries, citing President Ramaphosa’s silent visit to flood victims in South Africa and Prime Minister Modi’s unaccompanied visit to a crash site in India.
Obi warned that turning tragic incidents into political or festive events erodes the nation’s soul. “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,” he said.
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue on Wednesday followed an attack that claimed over 100 lives. During a town hall meeting, he instructed security agencies to arrest those responsible. Accompanied by key officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu also visited victims receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
