Peter Obi’s penchant for politicising national tragedy

Without mincing words, it is regrettable that Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate and ex-governor — whose own so-called ‘leadership’ record is permanently stained by one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters of police brutality under the disbanded Akwuzu SARS — seeks to lecture others on leadership and how to handle a tragedy.

This is a man who presided over the systematic suppression and marginalisation of minorities, be they political, religious, and/or ethnic, and who once aligned with those who sought to undermine Nigeria’s democracy during the dark military years.

The tragedy in Benue (another one in a long list of decades-long skirmishes that continue to burden that region) is deeply painful and saddens all genuine Nigerians, and Mr President is giving it all the attention and seriousness it deserves.

As we speak, the chief of army staff has relocated to the affected zone on the directive of his commander-in-chief. Internal security apparatus and intelligence agencies have been fully activated and deployed. Mr President has given marching orders to his NATSEC apparatus, and he has also advised the chief executive of the state on what to do.

President Bola Tinubu visited Benue on Wednesday and has remained in constant briefings and debriefings with security chiefs, the governor of Benue, and other critical stakeholders.

As a former chief executive of a state, Obi should know that security incidents differ in context, complexity, and causes. Each is, and must always be, addressed with the urgency and discretion it deserves.

As President Bola Tinubu said, “enough is now enough”. We cannot continue to politicise human suffering or perform grief for applause. What happened in Benue is a national tragedy. Lives were lost. President Tinubu is fully committed to ensuring accountability, justice, and a long-term resolution to the root causes of violence in that region, God-willing.

In cases like this, it would be wise to be more circumspect, empathise with the victims of the tragedy, or, better still, heed the counsel of sages across history that, “you do not preach in white nor play politics with the tragedy and pain of others especially your record is written in lies and blood.”

Please show leadership in your conduct, sir.

A couple of years ago, President Tinubu famously advised then President Jonathan that the ‘bulk’ (not ‘buck’ in this instance but ‘bulk’ as in most of the work) stops on his table with respect to national security. That opinion has not changed, hence his application of all necessary means from intelligence to internal security, stakeholder engagement amongst others, in finding a solution to this perennial crisis

Nigeria will succeed.

Otega ‘The Tiger’ Ogra is the senior special assistant to the president on digital communication and strategy