Obi’s Criticism of President Tinubu on Benue Visit is Politicising Tragedy, Says Ogra
A media aide to the presidency, O’tega Ogra, has criticised former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his leadership record, describing it as tainted by human rights abuses and a history of marginalisation.
In a strongly worded social media post, Ogra condemned Obi’s comments on the recent killings in Benue State, accusing him of attempting to politicise a national tragedy.
He referenced Obi’s tenure as governor, during which the disbanded Akwuzu unit of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was allegedly involved in widespread police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Anambra State.
“Without mincing words, it is regrettable that a former presidential candidate and ex-governor, PGO, whose own so-called ‘leadership’ record is permanently stained by one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters of police brutality under the disbanded Akwuzu SARS… now seeks to lecture others on leadership and politicise a tragedy. Shame,” Ogra wrote.
He further accused Obi of presiding over what he called the “systematic suppression and marginalisation of minorities” and aligning with undemocratic actors during Nigeria’s military era. Ogra said such a record disqualifies the former governor from preaching about governance or national healing.
Addressing the crisis in Benue, Ogra described the killings as part of a “long list of decades-long skirmishes” that continue to afflict the state. He noted that President Bola Tinubu has shown commitment and seriousness in responding to the tragedy.
“As we speak, the Chief of Army Staff has relocated to the affected zone on the directive of his Commander-in-Chief,” he stated.
The presidency aide said genuine Nigerians are pained by the Benue killings, but called for restraint and unity in the national conversation, rather than using the moment for political grandstanding.
The federal government’s response, including the deployment of top military officials, comes amid heightened security concerns and repeated attacks in Benue communities, where dozens have been killed in 2025 alone.
