Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s delayed response to recent national tragedies, accusing the administration of lacking empathy and accountability.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Obi emphasized that effective leadership is defined by four essential qualities: competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
He argued that the current administration exhibits a deficiency in these areas, which he believes has led to a cycle of national suffering.
Obi condemned the government’s habitual indifference to national tragedies, citing recent events that received little to no presidential response.
He pointed to the deadly flooding in Niger State, which reportedly claimed nearly 200 lives, and the massacre of over 200 civilians and security personnel in Benue State. In both instances, Obi noted, there was no presidential visit or public show of empathy from President Tinubu.
Drawing a sharp contrast with global examples, Obi highlighted instances where leaders demonstrated compassionate leadership.
He cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at the site of a plane crash within hours, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited flood-ravaged communities and publicly took responsibility. Obi lamented that such displays of empathy are absent in Nigeria’s leadership.
Obi urged Nigerians to reject identity-based politics and vote based on principles and proven ability to lead.
He stressed the importance of electing leaders who embody the qualities of competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
The presidency has yet to respond to Obi’s latest remarks.
