The Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has slammed the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, over his comments on the Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja stampedes.
OsunDailyNG reports that no fewer than 70 people, including children, died in a stampede during the distribution of Christmas palliative last week.
Reacting via a post on X, Peter Obi described the tragic death of the children as evidence of a systemic failure in Nigeria.
Obi said the fatal outcome of the event exposed the harsh realities in Nigeria where children out of inequalities are exposed to such danger scrambling for mere Christmas gifts.
In response, Sunday Dare, in a post on X, claimed that Peter Obi always seeks to benefit from the misfortune of others and confusion.
According to Dare, the remarks lacked statesmanship and decency, stressing that Peter Obi’s attempt to score cheap political points fell flat.
He said Tinubu’s government is committed to ensuring that the economic difficulties are resolved swiftly in Nigeria so that the standard of living of the average Nigerian can improve.
However, Nigerians must not lose sight of the need for patience, orderliness, crowd management, and enforcement of necessary permits for such events.
He said, “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 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.
“In times of unfortunate tragedy, leaders are expected to speak reasonably and offer support. President Tinubu canceled all programs, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordered an immediate investigation. That is the way of true leaders. These unfortunate incidents have undoubtedly highlighted many critical issues that must be examined.
“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.”
