Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for lack of “leadership empathy” over the recent killing of over 200 people in Benue State, as well as the recent flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives.
Obi wondered why there were no presidential visits to Benue and Niger states despite the loss of lives in both incidents, blaming this on a lack of competence, capacity, character and compassion on the part of the Nigerian leader.
In contrast, Obi gave examples of how leaders in other countries, such as India and South Africa, were quick to visit the scene of tragedies and show compassion to the affected people.
He stressed that Nigeria needs a leader with competence, capacity, character and compassion, and that the country will keep facing failed leadership if citizens continue to vote along tribal lines rather than based on competence and capacity.
Obi emphasised the importance of the four Cs of leadership – Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion – and noted that without these qualities, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over.
He added that Nigeria needs a leader who understands the issues, has the knowledge, experience and clear ideas to solve them, and has the strength, stamina and mental energy to confront complex challenges.