Stampedes: Palliatives distribution restrictions will discourage Nigerians from charity work – Obi
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has criticised the restriction of palliatives distribution owing to the stampedes in some parts of the country, saying the decision will discourage charity work by Nigerians.
The Informant247 had reported that a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, left 35 children dead, and many others were critically injured.
Meanwhile, 10 persons also lost their lives during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, where food items were being distributed to the vulnerable and elderly. Several others sustained injuries.
Similarly, a palliative distribution event organised by philanthropist Obi Jackson in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, ended in chaos, leaving three individuals dead and many others injured.
Peter Obi believes the IGP’s directive will restrict people from undertaking charitable works.
Describing the development as “disturbing,” Obi said though the directive is “a timely response,” it is open to abuse.
READ ALSO: FG to offer support to stampede victims – Shettima
“It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us,” he wrote in a post on his X handle on Monday morning, about two days after the stampedes which threw the nation into mourning.
“While I understand the need for better organization and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy.”
He said, “Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organized ways to offer such help.
“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.”
Peter Obi also called on the Federal Government to address the root causes of the hardship by “providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by the government’s insensitive policies”.
“I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police fosters collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians,” the former Anambra State governor said.
Source: Channels TV
