“Tinubu Wore Celebratory Agbada Instead of Mourning Cloth” – Peter Obi Slams President’s Benue Visitç

In a scathing reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State following deadly attacks, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the president of prioritizing optics over empathy. Obi criticized Tinubu for donning a celebratory *agbada* outfit rather than mourning attire during his condolence trip to the state, where recent violence claimed the lives of around 200 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

The attacks, reportedly carried out by armed herders, have left communities devastated and sparked calls for stronger leadership. Tinubu visited Benue yesterday and pledged to address the ongoing crisis, but Obi argued that the tone and presentation of the visit were inappropriate given the scale of the tragedy.

Posting on X, Obi lamented what he described as a carnival-like atmosphere, writing: “What has happened to our compassion as a People?” He noted that citizens had appealed for a solemn presidential visit to both Benue and Niger States — the latter also recently affected by deadly flooding — as a show of solidarity and national mourning.

“But what we saw in Benue was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of a highway,” he said. “The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory *agbada* attire, like it was an occasion for joy.”

Obi also expressed dismay at the actions of the state government, which he said declared a public holiday not for mourning, but to organize a welcoming ceremony. Schools were closed, and children, some of whom had lost classmates and relatives, were made to participate in performances under the rain.

“We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals,” Obi stated. “A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally.”

He contrasted Nigeria’s response with that of other world leaders, citing President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, both of whom conducted low-key, respectful visits to sites of national tragedy without fanfare.

Obi called for an end to what he described as a dangerous culture of impunity and insensitivity. “We are not at war, yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping,” he wrote. “These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice.”

He concluded by urging for a more compassionate and responsible national leadership, declaring, “When very sad incidents like this turn to campaign or festival, our nation is losing its soul. A new Nigeria is POssible.”