On Monday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed his disappointment that, among the three major contenders in the 2023 presidential election, only the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has not reached out to him with a call or message to sympathize with the people of the state following the recent explosion in Ibadan, the state capital.
The explosion in Adeji, Old Bodija, Ibadan, resulted in five confirmed fatalities, 77 individuals sustaining various injuries, and damage to 58 houses. Makinde conveyed his sentiments in Ibadan while receiving a visit from the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who came to express condolences on behalf of the government and the people of the state.
Governor Makinde underscored the significance of Obi's non-political visit, commending him for setting aside political considerations during a sensitive time. He seized the opportunity to highlight the absence of communication from Atiku Abubakar, emphasizing that such silence conveyed a troubling message about Atiku's character and judgment.
During the visit, Makinde provided insights into the ongoing investigation into the explosion, attributing it to illegal miners storing explosives in an unsuitable environment meant for residential purposes. He expressed gratitude for the concern shown by others, including the President, but pointedly noted the absence of any outreach from his own party's candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
In his response, Peter Obi clarified the purpose of his visit, emphasizing that it was solely to extend condolences to the governor and the people of Oyo State in the aftermath of the tragic explosion. He conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families and those who lost property, applauding the government's swift response to the incident.
Taking a broader perspective on the country's economic challenges, Obi advocated for a reduction in the cost of governance at the federal level. He viewed this as a necessary sacrifice to propel the nation forward and address the prevailing economic hardships faced by the masses. The visit and discussions highlighted the intersection of governance, politics, and humanity in the aftermath of a tragic event.
Be first to comment