Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate greater compassion towards Nigerians.
He emphaiszed that the office of the Nigerian President demands sacrifice and compassion, rather than detachment, indulgence or fear.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi stated that the Tinubu administration is disconnected from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
He said, ”If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say, ‘buy a new jet.
“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet.
“I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”
The former governor of Anambra State claimed that responsible governance and modest living characterised his tenure in office.
“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406.
“For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars.
“Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing.
“It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death.
“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die.
“The president should also be ready to die,” Obi said.
The former governor faulted Tinubu’s response to major tragedies in 2024, including the stampede at a Christmas party in Ibadan, Oyo State, which led to the death of several children.
He claimed that rather than travelling to bereaved families, Tinubu chose to spend the holidays in Lagos.
“There is no compassion; people lost their children who will lead this country in the future, and he went on a Christmas holiday,” he said.
He also criticised Tinubu for failing to visit Yelwata in Benue State, where suspected herdsmen attacked and displaced thousands.
Obi said, ”People want to get up and see a president that cares, a president that shows compassion.
“Today we have a country without compassion.
“Leadership without compassion does is a minus.
“It is not good for a country.”
