Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed sorrow over the tragic deaths of seven Nigerians who lost their lives in a stampede while attempting to purchase subsidized rice auctioned by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The incident occurred during the distribution of seized food items by the NCS as part of efforts to alleviate the nation’s economic challenges. However, the process led to chaos, resulting in the loss of lives as citizens sought to benefit from the initiative.
Reacting to the heartbreaking development, Obi lamented the desperation of Nigerians to secure affordable food amid the prevailing hunger and starvation in the country. He underscored the grim reality of widespread hardship, hunger, and food insecurity, with millions uncertain about their next meal.
He wrote: “Just yesterday, I read the saddening reports of how the search for cheap rice claimed the lives of some Nigerians in Lagos. According to the report, a massive crowd of hungry Nigerians had besieged the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Customs Service in Yaba, Lagos to purchase the discounted 25kg bags of rice being offered by the Customs Service.
“In the course of the heavy stampede that ensued, some lives were lost. It is heartbreaking to think that despite all the wealth of our nation, to purchase the discounted 25kg bags of rice being offered by the Customs Service. In the course of the heavy stampede that ensued, some lives were lost.
“It is heartbreaking to think that despite all the wealth of our nation, with millions of people not knowing where their next meal will come from. It is very disheartening that our national economy has been driven into perhaps the worst state in all of our national history.
“The population of those who are, today, classified as multi-dimensionally poor has climbed astronomically to over 80% of our population. We have a hunger index considered very serious, with Nigeria ranking 109th out of 125 countries measured.
“Our food inflation rate is at an all-time high, at over 35 percent. Similarly, unemployment is galloping, and for a predominantly youthful population, this scenario is dire and frighteningly dangerous.
“For the first time in our peacetime history, stark undisguised hunger has become a national epidemic with hundreds of thousands of our people driven into open protests over food scarcity and unaffordability. The hunger protests have united our people across ethnicity, language, region, faith, and location.
“Most distressing is that in all our adversity, our leaders have resorted to spending stupendous amounts of resources on wasteful items like ordering expensive renovations of offices and residences that are already in luxurious conditions.
“We have seen our government spend more money on car parks for politicians than for the running of half of our teaching hospitals. In all this, there has been scanty attention to the living conditions of the ordinary people they were elected to care for.
“The huge amounts of borrowed resources that should have been channeled into production, especially food production, to guarantee an abundant supply of food in the nation, were rather consumed on inanities, rather than invested.as I have always said, are our biggest assets.
“Now is the time to put them into maximum use for food production in the nation and for exports. In doing this, the government and security agencies must ensure the safety and security of the farmers.
“I salute the resilience and determination of our Nigerian people, who in the face of all these challenges, continue to strive hard, with hope for a better nation.
“I encourage us all to remain resolute in our journey to building the New Nigeria of our dreams which remains Possible.”
Highlighting the dire economic situation, Obi pointed out the alarming rise in poverty levels, soaring food inflation, and escalating unemployment rates, particularly among the youth. He criticized the mismanagement of resources by leaders and highlighted the need for prudent allocation of funds to address pressing societal needs, especially in food production and healthcare.
Obi commended the resilience of Nigerians amidst adversity and urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a better future for the nation. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in building a prosperous and inclusive society.
The former Anambra State Governor reiterated his commitment to advocating for positive change and urged citizens to continue striving for a New Nigeria characterized by hope and opportunity.
Obi’s remarks underscore the urgent imperative for government action to tackle the deepening hunger crisis and address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
