Stampede: Obi calls IGP to review directive on palliative distribution

Urges police to fosters collaboration and support

The Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the most recent general election, Peter Obi has called the Inspector General of Police to review his directive towards distribution of palliatives.

This was revealed via a tweet on his X social handle, today.

Obi urged police to fosters collaboration and support towards the people.

He emphasized that the police order, limiting the distribution of palliatives will discourage kindness and compassion.

According to Diaspora Digital Media, stampedes during palliative distribution last week in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), claimed the lives of over 67 people.

Police ordered nonprofits and organizations to include security agencies in palliative sharing on Saturday, saying that their carelessness would no longer be accepted.

“The police should encourage people to find an organized way of helping the less privileged,” Obi said.

“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.

“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”,  he stated.

In order to guarantee cooperation while attempting to lessen Nigerians’ suffering, Obi reportedly requested Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to review the instruction right away.

He also urged the federal government to address the underlying causes of the nation’s problems and offer long-term fixes.

“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,” he added.

“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.

“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 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”, he said.

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