The Nigerian presidency has condemned Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, for politicizing recent stampedes that resulted in multiple fatalities, including the deaths of children, in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
In a statement released on Monday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, criticized Obi for his comments on the tragic incidents.
Dare accused Obi of exploiting the misfortune of others for political gain, stating, “When seeking someone who benefits from the misfortune of others or from confusion, look no further than Peter Obi.”
Obi had made remarks on the tragedies, which occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, during a children’s fair, in Abuja at a rice distribution event, and in Okija, Anambra State, where stampedes occurred over palliative distributions.
Dare described Obi’s comments as lacking decency, pointing out that his attempts to score political points amid such a sensitive situation were irresponsible.
Dare further emphasized that, unlike Obi’s remarks, President Tinubu had shown true leadership by suspending all engagements, expressing his profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordering an immediate investigation into the incidents.
According to Dare, this response reflected the responsibility expected of national leaders in the face of such tragedies.
In a series of tweets, Obi had lamented that these stampedes were symptomatic of broader systemic failures in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s resource wealth contrasted with the ongoing poverty and hunger that were claimed to have led to the stampedes.
He expressed sorrow over the deaths, especially of children, while urging the government to address these persistent issues.
The tragic incidents in question have raised questions about the distribution of palliative aid and the broader economic challenges facing the country.
At least 40 children were reported dead in Ibadan, while 10 people lost their lives in Abuja, and 17 died in Anambra, all due to stampedes caused by overcrowding during distribution events.
The presidency reaffirmed the commitment of Tinubu’s administration to tackling Nigeria’s economic challenges, aiming to improve the standard of living for ordinary citizens.
