Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as a lack of empathy and presence in responding to recent violent incidents in parts of the country.
In a strongly worded statement, Obi said leadership must go beyond official visits and public addresses, stressing the need for direct engagement with affected communities during times of crisis.
Referring to the President’s recent visit to Jos, Obi alleged that Tinubu did not visit the communities impacted by violence, but instead concluded his engagement at the airport.
He drew a parallel with a June 2025 visit to Benue State, where he claimed the President stopped at the Government House without going to the scene of attacks.
“What happened in Plateau highlights a complete absence of leadership,True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies,” Obi said
He argued that addressing victims from a distance, particularly in the aftermath of deadly attacks, is inadequate and risks deepening the sense of abandonment among affected citizens.
“For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate,” he stated.
Obi further emphasised that communities facing repeated violence deserve more than symbolic gestures, calling for decisive action to address insecurity and protect lives.
“Plateau deserves more than distant words; it requires urgent action and a clear commitment to ending the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor concluded by urging Nigerians to demand accountable and responsive leadership, noting that national progress depends on leaders who are visible, compassionate, and proactive in times of crisis.
“If we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must demand leadership that is present, responsive, and responsible at all times, reiterating his message that “a new Nigeria is possible,” he said.