Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare, has criticized former Governor Peter Obi for his recent comments regarding the tragic stampedes that led to the deaths of several Nigerians in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
The stampedes occurred as people struggled to collect palliatives, resulting in the loss of many lives, including children.
Obi had expressed his sympathies for the victims’ families, describing the incidents as a reflection of the widespread poverty and starvation in the country.
He noted that the harsh economic conditions have driven many Nigerians to extreme measures in their quest for survival, sometimes at the cost of their lives.
“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives,” Obi noted.
The Presidency, however, took issue with Obi’s remarks, accusing him of using the tragedy for political gain. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on his X account, called Obi’s comments indecent and lacking statesmanship. He further criticized the former governor, saying that his attempt to score political points in the wake of the tragedy was unhelpful and insensitive.
Dare emphasized that political leaders should offer support during such difficult times, particularly in terms of crowd management and enforcement to prevent dangerous situations. He reiterated that the policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu would soon produce positive results, improving the standard of living for Nigerians.
While acknowledging the government’s role in addressing the economic difficulties, Dare stressed the need for patience, orderliness, and proper crowd management, along with the enforcement of necessary permits for public events. He concluded by highlighting that the ongoing reforms were beginning to show positive effects and that Nigerians would soon feel their benefits.
“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,” said presidential spokesman Sunday Dare in a statement on his X on Sunday.
Mr Dare added, “His recent remarks regarding the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he wallows in the fading waters of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political point falls flat.”
He continued, “This government is committed to ensuring that the economic difficulties of this period are resolved swiftly in Nigeria so that the standard of living of the average Nigerian can improve.
“However, we must not lose sight of the need for patience, orderliness, crowd management, and enforcement of necessary permits for such events.
“Yes, the government has a role to play, but citizens also have responsibilities. Beyond that the ongoing reforms have started to bear fruits and soon Nigeria will feel the positive impacts.”
