Peter Obi faults IGP’s directive on palliative distribution

The former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has expressed worries over the recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in the country.

The IGP’s directive followed the death of more than 70 people during the distribution of food items to the needy in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) last week.

In a post on his X page on Monday, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election described the directive as “disturbing.”

He said although the directive was to ensure the safety of Nigerians, it would discourage acts of goodwill and worsen hardship in the country.

Obi wrote: “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, the IGP’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship is open to abuse.

“It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.

READ ALSO: Falana blames poverty, negligence for stampedes that claimed 105 lives

“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.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now