Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents ensuing from the distribution of palliatives, describing them as a mirrored image of the extreme starvation and poverty plaguing the nation.
In a press release on Sunday through X, Obi prolonged his condolences to the households, communities, and states affected by the lack of lives in the course of the distribution of aid supplies.
“Whereas nonetheless in mourning temper over the valuable lives misplaced because of tragic incidents stemming from the distribution of palliatives, I’m deeply pained that such occurrences are a mirrored image of the extreme starvation and poverty at the moment ravaging our nation,” he stated.
Obi additionally addressed the latest arrest of the organisers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo State, which was led by the previous spouse of the Ooni of Ife. He urged the federal government to rethink its motion, emphasising that acts of goodwill shouldn’t be criminalised.
“I wish to make a heartfelt enchantment to the federal government to rethink this motion. Acts of goodwill, even once they unintentionally lead to unlucky outcomes, shouldn’t be criminalised. This explicit initiative was meant to alleviate struggling and convey aid to the folks,” Obi acknowledged.
He additional criticised the systemic failure of governance, asserting that leaders and policymakers needs to be held accountable for the widespread hardship going through Nigerians, slightly than people making an attempt to supply aid.
“If accountability is to be sought, it ought to start with the leaders and policymakers whose cumulative actions—or inactions—have inflicted the widespread hardship and struggling we see right this moment. It’s the systemic failure of governance, not the efforts of well-meaning people, that needs to be scrutinised,” he added.
Obi known as for a shift in nationwide priorities and urged leaders to undertake insurance policies that tackle the basis causes of starvation and poverty.
“As a nation, we should collectively retrace our steps and prioritise insurance policies and actions that uplift the lives of our folks. Allow us to redirect our focus towards making a system the place no citizen is left determined for requirements,” he stated.
Obi additional careworn the necessity to rebuild belief and stop future tragedies, urging for pressing and inclusive reforms to handle the challenges confronting the nation.