The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the ban imposed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on distribution of palliatives to the poor, except with the approval of the police.
The ban came as a fallout of recent stampedes across the country from events organised to distribute economic relief items to the needy.
Obi, writing on his X handle, described the move by the IGP as a timely response, but a disturbing development in the light of the state of the nation. He said it was an unnecessary bureaucracy prone to abuse.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan commiserated with families of victims of the stampedes, describing them as tragedies that have left the whole country in shock.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited his oyo State counterpart, ‘Seyi Makinde, over the Ibadan disaster.
Abiodun admonished Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charity organisations, and individuals, who wished to distribute relief items to the people to involve the government to prevent chaotic situations that could lead to loss of lives.
National Secretary of LP, Alhaji Umar Farouk, said the party was alarmed by the stampedes that claimed about 65 Nigerians in the last few days in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying the country is facing a hunger epidemic.
Media reports said no fewer than 67 people, including 35 children, had died in stampedes during funfairs and food distribution events in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja.
In the wake of the tragic incidents, the IGP, through a statement by police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned event organisers to involve security agencies or face legal consequences.
However, in a statement on X, Obi said the restriction could discourage philanthropists from helping vulnerable citizens. He said it was an unnecessary bureaucracy for the IGP to require citizens to obtain police approval before assisting the needy.
Obi described the development as disturbing and prone to abuse.
He stated, “The latest directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) placing some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in our midst is disturbing.
“Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it’s open to abuse.
“It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.
“While I understand the need for better organisation and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy.
“Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organised ways to offer such help.”
Obi said, “The focus should be on promoting coordination, not imposing barriers that could deter much-needed acts of kindness in a time of widespread hunger, pain, and anger.
“This is not the time to stifle the spirit of compassion and generosity among our people. Instead, let us channel these efforts constructively, ensuring that help reaches the most vulnerable safely and efficiently.”
Obi also urged the federal government to address the root cause of hardship through people-friendly policies, instead of erecting barriers that isolate people from help.
He said, “The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by government’s insensitive policies.
“I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police foster collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
Jonathan Mourns Victims of Charity Stampedes, Urges Compassion at Christmas
Jonathan commiserated with families of victims of the recent stampedes in some parts of the country, which resulted in the death of at least 67 people.
Describing the events as a tragedy that has left the whole country in shock, Jonathan, in a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, urged the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures were put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
He prayed to God to grant the country the “strength and resilience to overcome our challenges and for brighter days ahead for our beloved country”.
In his goodwill message ahead of Christmas, Jonathan implored Nigerians to show solidarity and compassion, and pray for the good of the country during the Yuletide.
He described Christmas as a time of love and hope, when people care for one another and work towards peace and harmony in communities.
The former president said, in the statement, “I am deeply saddened by the recent tragic stampede incidents that have claimed the lives of our fellow citizens in various parts of the country, where palliatives were scheduled to be shared by public-spirited groups and individuals.
“The unfortunate incidents have left all of us in shock and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.
“I urge the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season.
“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities.”
Abiodun Visits Makinde, Seeks NGOs’ Cooperation with Government in Distribution of Palliatives
Abiodun cautioned NGOs and individuals wishing to distribute palliatives to the public to involve the government to prevent situations that could lead to loss of lives.
The governor, who spoke when he visited Makinde in Ibadan, said the tragic incident at the Ibadan funfair would have been avoided if the state government had been involved.
He said, “I am here on behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) to commiserate with the governor of Oyo State and the people on the unfortunate incident that happened on Wednesday, December 18th, where a good initiative turned sour.
“It is most unfortunate that, in response to the current realities, an NGO decided to share the joy of the season with the children, which led to the loss of 35 lives. I think that we’ve seen this trend in Anambra and Abuja during this Yuletide period.
“I believe that what we must also take away from this unfortunate incident is that when private sector players, non-governmental organisations, and charities want to embark on such initiatives, they should try to work with the government.
“As a responsible government, we carry out such initiatives, and it doesn’t end like this because we have people who are charged with such responsibilities. They plan it to ensure that it is well implemented.
“So, one must admonish others who have such initiatives that a lot of lessons must be learned from what has happened, and we must ensure that we avoid such mishaps in the future.”
Makinde appreciated Abiodun for the visit, and said it had provided an opportunity for the cross-fertilisation of ideas that would benefit the two states.
He stated that the two states would meet next year to have a peer review exercise to see what they could learn from each other and leverage them.
Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale
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