‘Condolence visit now carnival,’ Obi criticises Tinubu’s Benue visit

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as lacking empathy and failing to acknowledge the depth of the tragedy that claimed over 100 lives.

In a post shared via his official X handle on Thursday, Obi expressed deep disappointment in the nature of the President’s visit, saying it felt more like a political rally than a condolence mission to a grieving community.

“We pleaded with the President to demonstrate leadership by visiting Benue and Niger States to offer compassion and solidarity to the victims of senseless killings and natural disasters,” Obi wrote.

He noted that the President’s appearance and the overall mood of the visit were inconsistent with the sorrow and mourning that should have characterized the occasion.

“He arrived not in mourning attire, but in celebratory agbada, as if it were a festive event,” Obi remarked.

He also condemned the Benue State Government’s declaration of a public holiday for the visit, claiming it was used to organize celebrations rather than reflection or prayer.

“Children who lost classmates and parents were lined up in the rain, singing and dancing for the President. In what kind of country does this happen?” he questioned.

Obi further lamented what he called the growing trend of turning condolence visits into spectacles.

“A moment meant for solemnity and mourning has been hijacked by fanfare, banners, and rehearsed performances. We’ve turned mourning into a carnival,” he said.

He drew comparisons with global leaders, referencing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who have visited disaster scenes in the past with quiet dignity, focusing on action and empathy.

“When President Ramaphosa visited flood victims, there were no drums or crowds. Just silence, presence, and response,” Obi noted.

ATTENTION: Follow 9jaReporters on Instagram for a chance to win ₦100,000 in our Top Fans Challenge!

JOIN NOW to participate and stand a chance to win exclusive prize ons, free airtime, and exciting gifts!

FOLLOW US TODAY! DON’T MISS OUT!

He warned that such performative displays in the face of national tragedies diminish the moral fabric of the country.

“These were lives lost—mothers, fathers, children. When we turn mourning into spectacle, we risk losing our collective soul,” he said.

President Tinubu, who visited Benue on Wednesday following the deadly attacks, had during a town hall meeting ordered security agencies to track down and arrest the perpetrators. He also visited survivors receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and was accompanied by the SGF, Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia.