Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the February 25th presidential election, has issued a heartfelt plea to Nigerians, urging them to avoid engaging in deadly ventures and taking unnecessary risks as a means to cope with economic hardships.
This appeal comes in the wake of several tragic incidents, including a recent explosion at an illegal oil refining site in the Ibaa community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State, and other fatal accidents that have occurred in the past few weeks.
In a message posted on his official social media account on Wednesday evening, Obi expressed deep sorrow over these distressing events, emphasizing that behind the statistics are real human lives, each with a family and a story.
He noted that some of the victims of the fuel tanker explosion may have been driven to such dangerous activities due to economic desperation stemming from the prevailing hardships in the country, which he attributed to poor governance.
Obi’s statement read, “The series of mishaps that have occurred in the country lately are saddening and deeply concerning. These unfortunate incidents have claimed the lives of many of our fellow citizens within the past few days.
“Reports indicate that approximately 35 individuals lost their lives in an explosion at an illegal oil refining site in Ibaa Community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday night.
“Additionally, over 30 people lost their lives in a tanker explosion at Koko junction along the Warri-Benin Highway in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday night.
“Furthermore, on Monday, a boat carrying 22 passengers from Kasabu village in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State to Yauri, Kebbi State, capsized.
“These tragic incidents are deeply distressing when we consider that they involve not just numbers, but real human beings who will be sorely missed by their grieving families.
“It becomes even more heartbreaking when we understand that many of those affected by the fuel tanker explosion may have been driven by hunger and the present economic hardship in the country, which can be attributed to poor governance.
“Out of sheer desperation, people have resorted to unthinkable and life-threatening risks. I strongly urge Nigerians to refrain from such perilous undertakings. We must prioritize the safety of our lives and property, even on an individual level.
“We all need to stay alive to contribute to and thrive in the New Nigeria we aspire to build,” he concluded.
Peter Obi extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in these unfortunate incidents and prayed for them to find the strength to bear their loss.
