Recent food stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja have tragically claimed the lives of many, including children. These incidents have sparked a heated political debate, highlighting the urgent need to address hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called the stampedes a result of systemic failures. In his tweets, Obi expressed disappointment that despite Nigeria’s vast resources and fertile land, citizens are struggling to survive. He described the tragedies as a sign of deep-rooted issues, including widespread hunger.
Sunday Dare, a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, criticized Obi’s comments, accusing him of politicizing the tragedies. He described Obi’s remarks as lacking empathy and leadership. Dare emphasized that President Tinubu had expressed profound sadness, canceled engagements, and ordered investigations to address the crisis. According to Dare, this shows responsible leadership, unlike Obi’s approach, which he labeled as opportunistic.
The Labour Party defended Obi, stating that the stampedes are a clear result of a hunger crisis gripping the nation. LP’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, pointed to rising inflation, economic mismanagement, and poverty as the root causes. He urged the government to focus on food production and realign its economic policies to reduce hardship for Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the APC accused the PDP of politicizing the issue by blaming the current administration for the stampedes. APC spokesperson Felix Morka reminded Nigerians of similar tragedies during the PDP’s tenure, such as the 2014 Immigration recruitment deaths. He called for unity and better planning to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for collective support for victims and their families.
This tragic situation highlights the severe hunger and economic challenges in Nigeria. As political parties exchange blame, millions of Nigerians are battling poverty and hunger daily. Addressing these issues requires genuine leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term solutions that prioritize the well-being of the people.
The food stampedes serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat hunger and provide relief to struggling citizens.
