The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of organizers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo State, while also blaming President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerian leaders for the crisis.
Obi expressed his deep pain and condolences to the affected families, communities, and states, stating that the incidents are a reflection of the severe hunger and poverty ravaging the nation.
He appealed to the government to reconsider the arrest of the organizers, emphasizing that acts of goodwill, even when they result in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized.
The former presidential candidate argued that the systemic failure of governance, rather than the efforts of well-meaning individuals, should be scrutinized. He called on the nation to prioritize policies and actions that uplift the lives of its people, creating a system where no citizen is left desperate for necessities.
The stampedes occurred in various locations, including Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory. In one incident, 35 minors lost their lives during a Christmas funfair organized by a former Queen of Ife, Naomi Shikemi. In another incident, 20 people died in a stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra.
With an inflation rate of 34.60%, many Nigerians struggle to afford necessities, including food and now rely heavily on palliative distribution events.
Obi’s statement reads in full:
While still in mourning mood over the precious lives lost due to tragic incidents stemming from the distribution of palliatives, I am deeply pained that such occurrences are a reflection of the severe hunger and poverty currently ravaging our nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the affected families, communities, and states.
The recent arrest of the organizers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo state, spearheaded by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has come to my attention. I want to make a heartfelt appeal to the government to reconsider this action. Acts of goodwill, even when they unintentionally result in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized. This particular initiative was intended to alleviate suffering and bring relief to the people.
If accountability is to be sought, it should begin with the leaders and policymakers whose cumulative actions—or inactions—have inflicted the widespread hardship and suffering we see today. It is the systemic failure of governance, not the efforts of well-meaning individuals, that should be scrutinized.
As a nation, we must collectively retrace our steps and prioritize policies and actions that uplift the lives of our people. Let us redirect our focus toward creating a system where no citizen is left desperate for necessities. In doing so, we can begin to rebuild trust and ensure that tragedies like these are not repeated.