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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the ban placed on sharing palliatives to the poor by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following reported stampedes.
Naija News reported that many Nigerians were killed in Okija, Anambra State; Ibadan, Oyo State, and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during Christmas palliatives sharing to the poor.
In a statement on Monday, Obi said the restriction would discourage philanthropists from helping vulnerable citizens.
He further stated that it was unnecessary bureaucracy for the IGP to demand that philanthropists would first seek approval before helping the needy.
Obi stressed that while there was need for better organization during palliative distribution, such acts of goodwill should not be discouraged.
“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,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State called on politicians to address poverty affecting the country to reduce the country’s number of poor citizens.
Obi further urged Kayode Egbetokun to lift the restriction, adding that the police have a role to foster collaboration and support and not division.
“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,” Obi added.
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