Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has picked holes with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged.
Obi said that the directive is capable of discouraging
citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among the people.
Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent
stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Following the development, the IGP warned against the
unauthorized distribution of palliatives and funfairs across the country.
He also ordered groups and organizers of similar events to
ensure the involvement of security agencies.
However, Obi said although the directive is a timely
response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, it’s
open to abuse.
The former Anambra state Governor, in a post on his X handle
on Monday, noted that 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.
He 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.
“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 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”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com