SaharaReporters recently reported how dozens of Nigerians lost their lives during stampedes that happened in different incidents across the country.
The Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has accused Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election of using the recent stampedes that killed many citizens to score political points.
Tinubu government, which has come under fire for bringing excruciating economic hardship on Nigerians, stated this in a reaction by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, via his X handle.
SaharaReporters recently reported how dozens of Nigerians lost their lives during stampedes that happened in different incidents across the country.
On Wednesday, about 40 children died during a stampede at a children’s fair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Similarly, on Saturday, a stampede during the distribution of rice and other palliatives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, claimed 10 lives.
In another incident, at least 17 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State reportedly died in a stampede over rice palliatives.
Reacting to the tragedies in tweets on X, Obi had blamed the tragedies on the failure of the current government.
He had said that despite Nigeria’s abundant resources and fertile land, citizens were dying of hunger.
Responding, Dare described Obi’s remarks as indecent, stating, “When seeking someone who benefits from the misfortune of others or from confusion — what the Yoruba people describe as Aríje nínú Màdàrú — look no further than Peter Obi.
“His recent comments on the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he clings to the fading echoes of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political points falls flat.
“In times of unfortunate tragedy, leaders are expected to speak responsibly and offer support. President Tinubu cancelled all engagements, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordered an immediate investigation. That is the way of true leadership. These incidents have highlighted critical issues that must be addressed.”
Dare stressed that Tinubu’s administration remains committed to addressing the economic challenges facing the country to improve the standard of living for ordinary Nigerians.