Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, has criticised the recent directive issued by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, which imposes restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged.
Tribune Online reports that at least 57 lives have been lost in three separate stampedes during the distribution of food and palliative items in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
In response to these tragic incidents, the IGP placed a ban on the unauthorized distribution of palliatives and associated events across Nigeria, citing concerns over public safety.
Reacting to the directive in a post on his verified X account on Monday, Obi expressed concern that while the order may have been issued in response to the recent stampedes, it could prove counterproductive.
While acknowledging the need for better organisation and prioritising public safety, Obi argued that excessive bureaucracy could discourage citizens from providing much-needed help to those in distress.
He emphasised that complicated procedures should not obstruct acts of goodwill but should instead be encouraged in more organised and efficient ways.
Obi called for a shift in focus from imposing restrictions to promoting coordination, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable safely.
Furthermore, Obi urged the government to address the root causes of the nation’s hardship and provide lasting solutions, rather than creating obstacles for citizens trying to help.
He also called on the IGP to review the directive, ensuring that the police support efforts to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering rather than hinder them.
He tweeted, “The latest directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) placing some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in our midst is disturbing.
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“Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it’s open to abuse.
“It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.
“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.
“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.
“The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, 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. -PO.”
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