Peter Obi Criticizes President Tinubu’s Delayed Response to National Tragedies

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he describes as a pattern of delayed and selective responses to national tragedies that have claimed hundreds of Nigerian lives.

In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi expressed concern over the President’s belated decision to visit Benue State following the recent massacre that left over 200 people dead. While acknowledging the planned visit as a welcome step, Obi emphasized that similar compassion and urgency should be extended to Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where devastating floods reportedly claimed more than 200 lives and left over 1,000 people missing.

“Leadership must be proactive, not remote-controlled,” Obi stated. “The presence of the President in communities ravaged by tragedy is not just symbolic—it is a moral obligation. It sends a message that every Nigerian life matters, regardless of geography or political affiliation.”

Obi drew comparisons with international leaders, citing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent 1,800km round trip to visit flood victims in Mthatha, where fewer than 100 lives were lost. He noted that both Makurdi and Mokwa are within 300km of Abuja.

It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this I thank him even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 17, 2025