Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia over the President’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as a “celebration in the face of tragedy.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi decried what he called the “insensitivity” of the visit, which came shortly after the massacre of over 200 people in Benue and widespread flooding in Niger State that claimed a similar number of lives.
“We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning,” Obi stated. “But instead of a solemn and reflective visit, what we saw was a display that would have been more befitting for a road commissioning ceremony.”
Obi lamented the tone and presentation of the visit, noting that President Tinubu arrived not in mourning attire, but in a “celebratory agbada” and was met with cheering crowds, banners, and performances. He expressed particular dismay at the role of the Benue State Government, which declared a public holiday and shut down schools to organize what he called a “fanfare.”
“Children who should be mourning their classmates and parents were lined up under the rain to sing and dance for the President,” Obi said. “This is not how any compassionate nation behaves.”
Obi accused authorities of prioritizing optics over empathy, saying the resources used for the event could have gone into emergency relief, trauma counseling, and support for grieving families.
The former Anambra governor contrasted Tinubu’s visit with the actions of other world leaders in times of tragedy. “When President Ramaphosa visited flood victims in South Africa, there were no drums or staged crowds. Just presence, silence, and action,” Obi said.
He warned that Nigeria risks “losing its soul” if national tragedies continue to be treated as political opportunities. “We are not at war, yet our nation is bleeding — and we are clapping,” he said. “This is not only insensitive, it is dangerous.”
Obi concluded with a call for compassion, justice, and a renewed sense of national humanity, adding, “A new Nigeria is possible.”
