Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, as deeply insensitive and devoid of the compassion expected in the wake of a tragic massacre that claimed over 100 lives.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Obi expressed dismay over the tone and conduct of the President’s visit, which he likened to a political rally rather than a condolence mission to a grief-stricken community.
“We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger states in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed a similar number in Niger State,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor lamented that the President’s appearance and the overall atmosphere during the visit did not reflect the solemnity of the situation.
“The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy,” he said.
Obi also condemned the Benue State Government for declaring a public holiday to welcome the President, alleging that the day was used for fanfare and choreographed performances rather than mourning and reflection.
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“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?” Obi queried.
He further bemoaned what he called the “carnivalisation” of national tragedies, warning that such conduct diminishes the moral compass and empathy of the country.
“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 said.
Drawing comparisons with leaders from other countries, Obi pointed to examples of how tragedies are treated with dignity and sobriety elsewhere.
“When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums. No staged crowds. No rented cheers. Just presence, silence, and action.
“When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted. That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain.”
Obi concluded with a grave warning that the lack of genuine empathy from leadership during national crises is eroding the soul of the nation.
“These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice. When very sad incidents like this turn to campaigns or festivals, our nation is losing its soul,” he said.
President Tinubu had visited Benue State on Wednesday in the aftermath of brutal attacks by suspected armed herders which claimed more than 100 lives in communities across the state.
During a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the state, the President directed the security agencies to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
“We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” Tinubu instructed Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
The President also paid a visit to survivors receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
