When did “giant of Africa” become a title for misery? In a country supposedly blessed with resources, Nigerians are dying in stampedes for free food. Over 74 lives have been tragically lost across Anambra, Abuja, and Oyo State in events that reek of desperation, poverty, and government failure.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wasted no time pointing fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of driving Nigerians into destitution. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, described the situation as “heartbreaking.” According to him, these deaths are the result of APC’s “anti-people policies,” which have created a cycle of hunger and desperation. But let’s be true: are our leaders not all cut from the same cloth of incompetence?
Deaths in Desperation
In Oyo State, 35 children tragically lost their lives at a funfair in Ibadan. Yes, a funfair, a place meant for joy turned into a scene of horror. Meanwhile, in Anambra and Abuja, food distribution events turned into deadly stampedes, claiming at least 39 lives. The victims were ordinary Nigerians simply trying to survive. Is this the legacy of a nation with “abundant resources”?
The PDP’s statement were very happy at criticizing APC, describing the APC government as “political vampires and buccaneers” who profit from the suffering of their citizens. Ologunagba claimed the government has failed to invest in agriculture or introduce meaningful policies to combat hunger. Instead, they’ve allegedly thrown the economy into chaos with ill-timed decisions like fuel price hikes and naira devaluation.
Political Banter Over Human Lives
What’s even more shameful is how these tragedies have become a PR for political parties. Rather than addressing the root causes, both parties are busy throwing accusations. The PDP blames the APC for corruption and economic mismanagement.
But let’s pause and ask this question, How did we get here? How did we become a nation where people dragging for food or attending a funfair that was supposed to bring joy to children? Is it the APC’s fault alone, or have decades of neglect, corruption, and incompetence across all administrations brought us to this pitiful state?
After all, isn’t this the same PDP that ruled Nigeria for 12 years, during which time poverty and inequality flourished? Sure, the APC has been disastrous in its economic policies, but the PDP’s holier-than-thou attitude is like the pot calling the kettle black.
Ologunagba’s words about “political vampires” might seem harsh, but honestly, can anyone argue against them when citizens are dying over bags of rice? While the PDP and APC trade insults, the real losers are ordinary Nigerians who just want to feed their families and live with dignity.
A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians
If there’s one lesson from this heartbreak, it’s that survival comes first. Nigerians, manage what you have. If all you can afford this Christmas is garri, so be it. Your life is worth more than free rice and chicken. Resist the temptation of these so-called “palliative distributions” that endanger your safety.
Meanwhile, our so-called leaders should hang their heads in shame. These deaths are not just numbers, they are a damning indictment of a system that has failed its people. Until Nigeria gets leaders who prioritize citizens over politics, tragedies like these will remain the norm.
Nigeria, we hail thee indeed.
