Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, issued a statement on December 22, 2024, expressing his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives during palliative distribution events.
He emphasized that these incidents reflect the severe hunger and poverty ravaging the nation and extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families, communities, and states.
Obi addressed the recent arrest of the organizers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo State, led by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife. He appealed to the government to reconsider this action, arguing that acts of goodwill, even when resulting in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized. The initiative aimed to alleviate suffering and bring relief to the people.
He stressed that accountability should begin with the leaders and policymakers whose actions or inactions have caused widespread hardship and suffering. Obi called for a focus on systemic governance failures rather than the efforts of well-meaning individuals.
Obi urged the nation to prioritize policies and actions that uplift the lives of the people, creating a system where no citizen is left desperate for necessities. He emphasized the need to rebuild trust and prevent future tragedies.
