2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has critized President Bola Tinubu’s failure to visit the grieving community of Yelwata in Benue State, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed in a violent attack. Obi said the excuse of poor road conditions given by the President’s team was disappointing and showed a lack of responsibility during a national tragedy.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Obi noted that it was wrong for President Tinubu to be physically present in Benue State and still not visit Yelwata. He believes such absence at a time of mourning sends a dangerous message about leadership and the treatment of citizens in distress.
“One of the consistent principles of leadership is the willingness to make ultimate sacrifices and take risks,” Obi stated. “A true leader does not make excuses or complain; he shows up, sacrifices, and provides solutions, especially in difficult times.”
He further questioned how bad roads could be blamed when Tinubu’s aides and security teams were still able to travel. Obi also pointed out the availability of helicopters in the presidential fleet, asking why the President couldn’t have flown to the location if road travel was truly a problem.
“Even if we accept that the roads were truly impassable, which they are not, since his aides and security teams used them what happened to the helicopters?” Obi asked. “Are we to believe that a country with a presidential air fleet couldn’t find a way to fly the President to Yelwata to comfort grieving citizens?”
The former governor of Anambra State noted that leadership is best demonstrated by presence and action during times of sorrow, not by hiding behind protocol or making excuses. He stressed that the people needed comfort and care from their leader, not just words from afar.
“If the Commander-in-Chief cannot reach his citizens due to bad roads, what hope is there for the average Nigerian who plies those same roads every day?” he said.
Obi ended by describing the situation as a clear sign of systemic neglect. He called for a new type of leadership in Nigeria—one built on truth, selflessness, and the courage to stand by the people, even in hard times.
“A New Nigeria cannot and will not be built on excuses. It will be built on the sacrifices, courage, and responsibility of true leaders,” he stated.
