The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the recent food stampedes across Nigeria, describing the incidents as a reflection of the severe poverty, hunger, and desperation that have gripped the nation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
The party expressed concern that these tragedies highlight the worsening economic situation in the country.
The PDP expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in stampedes that occurred at private events in Oyo and Anambra States, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Vulnerable citizens, including children, tragically died in a desperate scramble for food, which the party attributes to widespread hunger exacerbated by the APC’s policies.
The opposition party criticized the current government for allegedly destroying the nation’s once-thriving economy and pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty. Many citizens, unable to afford basic meals, have been resorting to extreme measures, such as suicide and dangerous attempts to migrate abroad.
Despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, the PDP stated that many Nigerians are now dying in the fight for food, accusing the APC of indifference to human life and satisfaction derived from the suffering of citizens. The party also blamed the APC for failing to invest in vital sectors like agriculture and food production, which could help address the nation’s food insecurity.
The PDP expressed frustration with the government’s continued rejection of calls to reconsider its economic policies, including fuel price hikes and the devaluation of the Naira. These policies, according to the party, have had devastating effects on the economy and citizens.
The party further accused APC leaders of corruption, citing instances of budget padding, contract inflation, and oil subsidy fraud, instead of using national resources for the welfare of the people.
The PDP called on Nigerians to hold the APC administration accountable for the root causes of these tragic events and demanded the government introduce intervention programs to ease the suffering of the population. The party reiterated its call for a review of the APC’s economic and tax policies, which it believes are contributing to widespread misery and loss of life.
In the aftermath of the Oyo State tragedy, the PDP extended condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of the state, acknowledging the pain caused to affected families. The party also commended the Governor for his swift action in ensuring the victims received immediate medical attention, saving many lives.
Additionally, the PDP offered its condolences to the families of victims in Anambra and Abuja and called for a thorough investigation into the causes of these stampedes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The party prayed for the souls of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured.
According to the statement, “It is heartbreaking that despite our abundant resources as a nation, Nigerians have been subjected to agonizing life where they die struggling for food.
” This horrifying situation in the country further confirms the APC as a party of ‘political vampires and buccaneers’ who have no iota of regard for human life but rather derive pleasure in the suffering and death of citizens including innocent children.
” Only this explains why the APC administration continues in arrogant false performance claims including empty assurances of food sufficiency while deliberately failing to make the required investments to boost the productive sector, particularly in agriculture and food production.
“This also explains why the APC administration has rejected all advice and suggestions by the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians to review the hasty implementation of the suffocating policies of abrupt increase in the price of petroleum products and the floating of the Naira, despite the crippling consequences on the productive sector and life-discounting effect on the citizenry.
“More provoking is that instead of deploying the nation’s resources for the wellbeing of the people, the APC leaders are engaged in massive looting through direct pillaging of government vaults, budget padding, contract inflation, oil subsidy scam, palliative racketeering and phony programmes which have no benefit to the lives of the citizens.”
