The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent visit to Benue State in response to the persistent killings that have plagued the region.
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Obi, who had previously criticised the President for not showing up in crisis-hit areas, called for an immediate extension of the visit to Niger State, which recently experienced a devastating flood.
“I appreciate the President’s decision to visit Benue. It is a commendable step in the right direction,” Obi wrote. “However, I urge that similar empathy and attention be extended to Niger State, which has suffered greater loss of lives due to the recent natural disaster.”
The former Anambra State Governor noted that over 200 people were confirmed dead in Mokwa, Niger State, with more than 1,000 still missing. He stressed that such tragedies warrant swift and personal presidential attention.
“These are not just numbers; they represent real families and shattered communities. A presidential visit would serve not only as a gesture of compassion but also as a powerful reassurance to affected citizens,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons, Obi referenced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent trip of over 1,800 kilometres from Pretoria to Mthatha to commiserate with flood victims, where fewer than 100 casualties were recorded.
“Abuja to Makurdi is about 282 km; Abuja to Mokwa is roughly 287 km. Combined, a round trip to both locations is still shorter than what the South African President covered. If he could make that journey, we expect no less from our own leader,” Obi said.
He concluded by urging President Tinubu to demonstrate active, responsive leadership:
“Let your visit to Mokwa send a clear message—that every Nigerian life matters, and no region, however remote, is neglected. Now is the time for proactive leadership—one that moves beyond statements to visible, compassionate action.”
