Obi Carpets Tinubu for Prioritising Optics Against Empathy in Benue Visit

Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State, where over 200 people were killed in a recent attack linked to armed herders.

Obi accused the president of prioritizing “optics over empathy” and turning a condolence visit into a “carnival”.

In a statement posted on X, Obi expressed his disappointment and outrage over the president’s decision to wear a celebratory attire, rather than a mourning cloth, during his visit to the state.

He also criticized the state government for declaring a public holiday and organizing fanfare, including shutting down schools and lining up children to sing and dance for the president.

Obi argued that the energy and resources spent on the visit could have been better utilized to provide support to the grieving families, such as food supplies, temporary shelters, medical aid, and trauma counseling.

He emphasized that the visit was an opportunity for the president to show leadership and compassion, but instead, it was turned into a spectacle.

The former presidential candidate drew comparisons with other world leaders, such as South African President Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Modi, who have shown more somber and respectful responses to similar tragedies in their countries.

Obi questioned the kind of nation Nigeria has become, where condolence visits are turned into carnivals, and precious lives are lost, yet people are clapping and singing.

Obi’s statement has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their outrage and disappointment over the president’s visit.

The incident has also raised concerns about the government’s response to the ongoing crisis in Benue State and the need for more effective and compassionate leadership.

As the debate continues, many Nigerians are left wondering if the government is doing enough to address the root causes of the crisis and provide support to the affected communities.

The incident has also raised questions about the kind of leadership Nigeria needs to move forward and address the numerous challenges facing the country.