Obi Blames Crowd Crushes At Charity Events On ‘Insensitive Policies’…His Comments ‘Unstatesmanlike’, ‘Unseemly’-Presidency

 Former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has picked holes in the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun in which restrictions were announced on charity events.

Mr Peter Obi, who was the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, gave his take on the issue via a statement he made available on X.com on Monday.

The former governor described the directive as ‘disturbing’ even though it was intended to address safety concerns following recent tragic incidents at charity events in the country.

He however submitted that the incidents are products of the ‘insensitive policies’ introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

‘The latest directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) placing some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in our midst is disturbing.

Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it’s open to abuse.

It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.

 While I understand the need for better organization and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy.

Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organized ways to offer such help. The focus should be on promoting coordination, not imposing barriers that could deter much-needed acts of kindness in a time of widespread hunger, pain, and anger.

 This is not the time to stifle the spirit of compassion and generosity among our people. Instead, let us channel these efforts constructively, ensuring that help reaches the most vulnerable safely and efficiently.

The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by the government’s insensitive policies.

I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police fosters collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians’ he submitted.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the presidency has however reacted to the comments made by Mr Peter Obi describing it as ‘unstatesmanlike’ and ‘unseemly’.

The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, in an X.com post also accused the former governor of attempting to score cheap political points.

‘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 comments on the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he clings to the fading echoes of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political points falls flat.

In times of unfortunate tragedy, leaders are expected to speak responsibly and offer support. President Tinubu cancelled all engagements, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordered an immediate investigation. That is the way of true leadership. These incidents have highlighted critical issues that must be addressed’ he wrote.

 Recall that at least 35 children were killed and six others critically injured in a crowd crush at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, last week Wednesday.

The event was organized by Agidigbo FM and the Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WING).

Recall also that at least 10 people died in the crowd stampede that was recorded during the distribution of food parcels at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church , Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning while a crowd crush that led to the death of 17 people also occurred  at the gate of the Obijackson Centre, Okija,  Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State on the same day.

They were there to receive the food items made available by an indigene of the town, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson)-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you