Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as an inappropriate and flamboyant approach during a condolence visit to Benue State.
Obi, who served as the governor of Anambra State, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the conduct of President Tinubu during his visit to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, where many residents recently lost their lives in a violent attack.
He expressed disappointment over the president’s appearance and the atmosphere surrounding the visit. “Rather than dressing in a manner befitting a mourning occasion, the president arrived in celebratory agbada, making it seem like a festive event. We have unfortunately reached a point where condolence visits resemble carnivals,” Obi said.
He also criticised the Benue State Government for failing to handle the moment with the seriousness it deserved. “Instead of creating an environment for mourning and reflection, the state declared a public holiday. Schools were closed—not for prayers or community healing—but to stage celebratory events,” he added.
Obi was particularly disturbed by the involvement of children in the event, stating, “Students who recently lost classmates and loved ones were made to stand in the rain, rehearsing songs and dances to welcome the president. What kind of country allows this?”
He lamented the fanfare that accompanied the visit, pointing out the use of music and large banners expressing appreciation for the president. According to him, “Moments that should be marked by silence and grief have now been turned into orchestrated displays. Instead of mourning, we are organizing what looks like campaign rallies, complete with singing and clapping.”
Obi warned that such public displays, in the face of national tragedies, reflect a dangerous level of indifference. “This is not a war zone, yet the country is bleeding. And our response is celebration. This level of insensitivity is not only wrong—it’s perilous,” he said.
He concluded by suggesting that the resources used for the high-profile visit could have been better spent on providing humanitarian support. “All the energy, money, and logistics spent on this spectacle could have gone into supplying food, building temporary shelters, offering medical care, supporting schools, and providing trauma counselling to grieving families. Sadly, we have prioritized appearance over compassion.”
In response, President Tinubu, during the visit, directed security agencies to intensify efforts in restoring peace in Benue and other affected regions. He also ordered the creation of a peace committee to help curb the ongoing violence.
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