Rita Odafe
Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has strongly criticized the federal government and its officials.
She expressed her discontent regarding their reactions to food distribution events that tragically resulted in a stampede, causing loss of life. Ezekwesili pointed out that these government reactions highlight a significant disconnect from the harsh reality of widespread hunger, as citizens and organizations step in to assist where the government has fallen short.
In her post on X, she questioned why the leaders have not recognized how their continual failures have transformed once-safe food charity events into perilous situations.
Ezekwesili also conveyed her support for the humanitarians facing legal challenges over these tragic incidents.
Her post included the following thoughts: The discussions from various officials, including President Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, raise questions about their apparent disconnection from the hardships faced by many Nigerians.
She challenged the notion that those in power are unaware of how the generosity of individuals and organizations has been essential for the less fortunate, especially as they now risk their lives just to provide basic sustenance for their families.
How could those in leadership fail to see how their inadequacies have turned once routine charity efforts into dangerous gatherings? Furthermore, do they not realize that a significant increase in the population needing aid has put immense pressure on humanitarian efforts?
According to Ezekwesili, humility and empathy are sorely lacking in our public officials, and she urged them to stop criticizing those who are genuinely trying to help fill the void left by the government’s failures.
Lastly, she expressed hope that the judiciary would approach cases involving humanitarians with wisdom and compassion rather than strictly legalistic viewpoints.
She closed with a prayer for the families affected by the recent food stampedes.
