Obi Criticises Tinubu’s “Carnival of Insensitivity” Amid National Mourning

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr Peter Obi, has sharply criticised what he described as a “grossly insensitive and tone-deaf” visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Benue State following the massacre of over 200 civilians and a deadly flood that killed a similar number in Niger State.

In a statement released via his official social media channels on Wednesday, Obi lamented the “loss of national compassion,” describing the President’s appearance and the nature of the visit as “a celebration instead of solemn reflection.”

Obi noted that rather than donning mourning attire, the President arrived in “celebratory agbada” for what should have been a sombre occasion. He further condemned the state government’s decision to declare a public holiday not for reflection or prayer but to organise “a fanfare” in honour of the visit.

“Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President,” Obi stated. “In what kind of country does this happen?”

The Labour Party leader decried the growing trend of turning condolence visits into what he called “campaign-style carnivals,” marked by banners, music, and choreographed crowds rather than silence and solidarity.

Citing examples from other nations, Obi contrasted the Nigerian response with that of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he said approached national tragedies with quiet dignity and immediate action.

Obi also criticized the misuse of state resources, suggesting that the energy and funds used for staging the President’s visit could have been better directed towards relief efforts such as food aid, medical support, and trauma counselling.

“Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war, yet our nation is bleeding and we are clapping,” he declared. “When very sad incidents like this turn into campaigns or festivals, our nation is losing its soul.”

He concluded with a call for a more empathetic and justice-driven society, declaring once again that “A new Nigeria is POssible.”

The presidency has not yet issued a response to Obi’s statement at the time of reporting.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu visited Makurdi, Benue State, following criticism of his lack of empathy for the victims of terrorism at Yelewata community in the Guma Local Government Area of the State. Before his arrival, Governor Hyacinth Alia mandated all registered support groups to come out en masse to colourfully welcome the President in a shoulder-to-shoulder procession from the airport to the Wurukum roundabout and down to the government house.

Viral videos showed schoolchildren lined up to welcome the President despite the rain. Billboards were mounted by the government of Benue State.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, who stated that he could not go to the Yelewata community, advised the Governor to work with the government to secure the people and urged the people of Benue State, who were mourning the lives of over 200 people killed in the attack, to provide lands for ranching and learn to share.

He called for reconciliation among the communities despite the Tov TiV His Royal Highness James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse making it clear that what is happening in the State is a genocide and not land grabbing or communal clashes. He noted that a wrong diagnosis leads to the wrong medication.

“It is not herders-farmers clashes. It is not a communal clash. It is not a reprisal attack. It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions like remaining tolerant and learn to live with your neighbours. What we are dealing with is a full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists.”