Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the ban by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on distributing palliatives to the needy, following tragic stampedes that resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including 35 children, during food distribution events in various locations, including Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja.
Following these tragic events, the Inspector General of Police, through spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a warning to event organizers to collaborate with security agencies or risk facing legal action.
In a statement on X, Peter Obi criticized the Inspector General of Police’s new restrictions on distributing palliatives to the needy, calling it unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. He expressed concern that such measures could dissuade philanthropists from helping vulnerable people, despite the directive being a timely response to recent tragedies and economic hardship.
Obi emphasized the need for better organization and public safety but argued that goodwill should not be hindered by excessive formalities. Instead of requiring permission, he advocated for promoting coordinated and effective assistance to those in need during a time of widespread suffering.
“This is not the time to suppress compassion and generosity. Instead, we should focus on guiding these efforts to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable effectively and safely.”
Obi called on the Federal Government to tackle the root causes of hardship by implementing lasting solutions instead of hindering those who strive to address the shortcomings of government policies. He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to reconsider a recent directive, emphasizing the need for the police to promote collaboration and support rather than create division in efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.