metro

Obi’s comment on stampede deaths as systemic failures, uncharitable, says Omokri

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2024

Reno Omokri, Peter Obi

Obi’s comment on stampede deaths as systemic failures, uncharitable, says Omokri

A former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, has urged the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, not to politicise the recent fatal stampedes in some parts of the country, saying doing so amounted to politicising the people’s tragedy.

About 39 persons were feared dead in Okija, Anambra State and Maitama in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday following stampedes at food-sharing events to usher in the Xmas festivities. Both incidents came on the heels of an earlier disaster in Ibadan, during which 35 children died.

Obi, in a tweet on his X handle last week, condemned the scores of children’s deaths in Ibadan during the pre-Xmas fair as a reflection of the nation’s “systemic failure”.

“The devastating news of innocent children reportedly trampled to death during a Christmas celebration in Ibadan is both heart-wrenching and a stark reflection of the systemic failures that plague our nation today,” he said.

He said the tragedy called for deep reflection and decisive actions by leaders to prioritise policies that address poverty, inequality, and equitable resource access while ensuring the highest safety standards for public events, especially those involving children.

However, Omokri reacted on his X handle by accusing Obi of being insensitive to the victims’ plight. He said rather than seeking to reap political benefits from the tragedy, the Labour Party candidate should have empathised with the people who lost their loved ones.

“One would have expected Mr Peter Obi to have condoled with the families and moved on,” he said.

The former presidential aide said the Labour Party’s erstwhile flagbearer’s attempt to blame the federal government for the stampede was hypocritical because the occurrence was a global phenomenon, pointing out that it occurred recently in the US, South Korea, Israel and multiple European countries.

READ ALSO:

Besides, he recalled that under Obi’s watch as governor of Anambra State, a similar event happened on November 3, 2013, during which 28 persons died. “Funny enough, Peter Obi himself was at the scene of the incident and was accused by survivors of triggering the stampede,” Omokri stated.

He said, “It is hypocritical for a man under whom these events occurred to now use the Ibadan tragedy to stigmatise the Tinubu administration. Genuine opposition politics involves providing alternative solutions to issues. It is an abuse of the idea of opposition to lazily sit and wait for tragedies to occur and then seek to profit from them. That is wickedness, not politics.”

Omokri queried the moral basis of Obi’s persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that the former Labour Party’s presidential candidate underperformed during his time as Anambra State governor.

He said, “This is sad coming from a man under who, as Governor of Anambra State, poverty almost doubled, as revealed by his immediate successor, Mr Willie Obiano, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“Before Peter Obi took over as Governor of Anambra, poverty in that state was 41.4%. However, under Mr. Obi, it grew to 53.7%, partly because Peter Obi refused to use the state’s allocations to build infrastructure.

“In his eight years as Governor, Mr. Obi did not initiate, start, complete, or commission even one nursery, primary, secondary school, or university.”

Shortly after Omokri’s severe criticism, Obi deleted his tweet, and yesterday he made another tweet, adjusting his position on the stampedes.

Incidentally, on Saturday there was stampede in Okija, a prominent town in Obi’s home state, during which some people also died. Another occurred in Maitama, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

READ ALSO:

Syria new leader says all weapons to come under state control
Cyclone kills 94, over 700 injured in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe
Why we displayed ‘Jesus Christ is not God’ banner at Lekki mosque -Imam

Reacting to these tragedies, the former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan commiserated with the victims. He called on state governments to learn lessons from the frequent events and implement better crowd control mechanisms.

Obi: my position on stampedes

In his new tweet, Obi said: ”I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured.

“Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items.

“While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organizers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.

“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives.

“How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds.”

“One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them. I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT over these tragic incidents. May God grant them, and all of us, the strength to bear these painful losses.

“May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.”

Obi’s comment on stampede deaths as systemic failures, uncharitable, says Omokri

metro

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

Published

15 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

Ilorin, Kwara State – Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, has explained why the holy month of Ramadan is spiritually unique, emphasizing its role in personal transformation, moral discipline, and societal harmony.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, Dr Lafiagi described Ramadan as a “month of mercy, spiritual rejuvenation, and character formation,” citing the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who said: “Whenever Ramadan commences, all the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.”

According to Dr Lafiagi, these divine conditions make it easier for believers to perform righteous deeds, avoid sins, and draw closer to Allah’s mercy. Beyond fasting from food and drink, he highlighted that Ramadan fosters self-discipline, effective time management, self-restraint, charity, and Qur’an recitation, which help Muslims manage their lives spiritually and morally.

“During Ramadan, believers learn patience, forgiveness, and restraint,” he said, explaining that even when insulted, a fasting person is encouraged to respond calmly, reinforcing moral discipline. He added that acts of charity, especially Zakat al-Fitr, purify the soul while assisting the needy in the community.

READ ALSO:

Dr Lafiagi also addressed why many Muslims struggle to maintain spiritual gains after Ramadan. He explained that after the month ends, the “gates of Jannah close, gates of Hellfire reopen, and the devils are freed,” making it easier for believers to lapse into previous sinful habits.

“Returning to old habits does not necessarily indicate weak faith,” he said, “but it shows that Ramadan’s lessons were not fully internalized in the heart and soul.” He stressed the importance of carrying Ramadan’s spiritual benefits into daily life to sustain moral consistency.

The scholar highlighted Ramadan’s societal impact, noting that consistent lectures and moral reminders during the month often reduce crime, improve social cohesion, and create a safer environment. He stressed that the company one keeps, the social environment, and exposure to media play significant roles in sustaining moral conduct post-Ramadan.

Dr Lafiagi also urged Muslims to utilize key moments during Ramadan, including the last 10 nights, particularly Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), where worship is rewarded more than in a thousand months. He emphasized the last third of every night for prayers and the giving of Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fast and help the needy.

Regarding exemptions, he clarified that sick, pregnant, nursing, and menstruating individuals may be exempt from fasting, but they should either make up missed fasts or feed the needy if unable to fast. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity,” he reminded.

Concluding, Dr Lafiagi stressed that a successful Ramadan is measured not only by the intensity of worship during the month but also by the consistency of righteous deeds and obedience to Allah afterward.

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

metro

Assistant Commissioner of Police Dies in Fatal Road Accident

Published

15 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubakar Balteh

Assistant Commissioner of Police Dies in Fatal Road Accident

The Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubakar Balteh, head of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the Borno State Police Command, has died in a tragic road accident, the Command confirmed. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues and the wider Nigeria Police Force community.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Balteh died while travelling in the north-east region. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and further details, including burial arrangements, were expected to be released by the police.

ACP Balteh, who led the SCID in Borno State, was described as a committed and hardworking officer who remained dedicated to his duties up until his death. The statement invoked the Islamic prayer “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un” (“Indeed, we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we shall return”), highlighting the profound sense of loss felt within the Command.

READ ALSO:

The late officer’s death represents a significant loss to the Borno State Police, particularly the Criminal Investigation Department, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing investigations and maintaining law and order. His leadership and dedication had earned him respect from colleagues across the police community.

ACP Balteh was laid to rest on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Potiskum, Yobe State, following Islamic rites. His passing comes just months after the death of another senior officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Ibn Umar, underscoring a challenging period for the Borno State Command.

Tributes have poured in from within the police force and beyond, with officials urging the public to remember the late officer’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this period of mourning. The Borno State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the work of maintaining law, order, and safety in the state in honour of the late ACP’s service.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Dies in Fatal Road Accident

metro

SERAP Urges Tinubu to Repeal ‘Unlawful’ Mass Surveillance Regulations

Published

20 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Trends Admin

SERAP Urges Tinubu to Repeal ‘Unlawful’ Mass Surveillance Regulations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019, describing them as unconstitutional, unlawful, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations. The demand follows allegations that the phone of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu was intercepted, raising national concerns about phone tapping, mass surveillance, and privacy rights in Nigeria.

In a letter dated 21 February 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the civil rights organisation urged Tinubu to direct Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, to repeal the regulations immediately. SERAP also called for a transparent legislative process to develop lawful interception laws that comply with constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight, and international human rights standards.

READ ALSO:

The organisation criticised the regulations for granting broad and vague powers to intercept communications on grounds such as “national security,” “economic wellbeing,” or “public emergency” without sufficient judicial safeguards, transparency, or independent oversight. SERAP warned that these powers risk being weaponised against journalists, civil society, political opponents, and election observers, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

According to SERAP, the current framework allows interception without a warrant in situations involving consent, threats to life, or the ordinary course of business. It also expands the category of “authorised agencies” arbitrarily and fails to provide adequate safeguards for the protection of private communications, encryption, and data storage. The organisation emphasised that such practices violate Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.

SERAP highlighted that secret surveillance and bulk data collection create significant risks of misuse, profiling, and political manipulation. The organisation noted that mass surveillance measures must comply with legality, necessity, proportionality, and prior judicial authorisation, with clear oversight mechanisms and remedies for affected individuals.

The civil society group warned that if the government fails to act within seven days of the letter’s publication, it would pursue legal action to compel compliance, reiterating that privacy and freedom of expression are essential for free and fair elections and democratic governance.

The call by SERAP adds to growing public debates about data privacy, lawful interception, and accountability in Nigeria. Observers argue that without reform, the regulations could undermine journalistic independence, political participation, and citizens’ trust in digital communication.