Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as a tone-deaf display of fanfare in the face of national tragedy.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi condemned what he described as a “carnival-like” condolence visit to a state still reeling from the massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. The attacks, which have been linked to armed herders allegedly seeking control of Benue lands, left hundreds of families devastated.
Obi said the president’s choice of celebratory attire and the overall atmosphere of the visit lacked the solemnity and compassion the moment demanded.
“We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning,” Obi wrote. “But what we saw in Benue was not a solemn, reflective visit, but a display more suited to a road commissioning event.”
Criticizing both the federal and state governments, Obi said the people deserved mourning, not music.
“Rather than being in a mourning mood, the state declared a public holiday not for reflection or prayers, but to organize a fanfare. Schools were shut down. Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates were instead lined up to sing and dance under the rain for the President,” he stated.
He lamented the growing trend of turning condolence visits into public spectacles, arguing that such events should be marked by silence, support, and swift action.
“The energy and logistics spent on this show could have been channeled into food supplies, medical aid, trauma counseling, and shelter for grieving families,” Obi said.
Citing international examples, Obi referenced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting how both leaders responded to national tragedies with dignity, presence, and action — without public fanfare.
“This is not how any compassionate nation behaves,” Obi said. “We are not at war, yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping.”
He concluded with a somber warning: “When very sad incidents like this turn to campaign or festival, our nation is losing its soul. A new Nigeria is POssible.”
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