In the aftermath of the tragic explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde voiced his disappointment with former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for not extending condolences or reaching out amidst the disaster. The governor expressed these sentiments while hosting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election.
Governor Makinde commended both President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi for expressing sympathy and solidarity with the people of Oyo State. However, he pointedly remarked that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate, had not offered any form of communication despite being in the same political party.
“I should use this opportunity on behalf of the good people of Oyo State to thank His Excellency, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state and also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election,” Makinde stated. “I thank you because politics didn’t seep into this; you came to commiserate with us over the explosion.”
While expressing gratitude for the swift response to the explosion, Governor Makinde emphasized the need to separate politics from governance, underscoring that addressing human issues transcends political affiliations.
Peter Obi, in response, conveyed condolences to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State, acknowledging the tragic loss caused by the explosion. He lauded Makinde for his prompt and effective response, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and commending responsive governance.
Obi also highlighted the necessity of reducing the cost of governance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing critical areas such as education, health, and poverty alleviation. “It’s a matter of sacrifice; elections are over, governance is the key thing,” Obi asserted, advocating for a focus on essential sectors to effectively utilize resources.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, both leaders underscored the significance of collaboration and unity in addressing the challenges faced by the community and the nation at large.
