Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has berated the spate of killings of innocent people across Nigeria in recent times.
Obi also recalled that about twelve wedding guests were killed on Friday by gunmen in Plateau State, with many others injured.
He regretted that the regularity of bloodletting of innocent souls in Nigeria has reduced the news value of human deaths, stating that “while the country bleeds daily, Mr. President is reportedly planning a holiday trip to St. Lucia”,
According to him, when Nigerians speak about addressing some of the issues bedevilling the country, including the constant killings, and the corruption that has entrenched the system, they are accused of demarketing the nation.
He said:“A glance at the news in a day in Nigeria, one would see the sad reality of our dear nation, and one would wonder if our country has a serious government in place.
“Even hitherto peaceful areas have turned into killing fields. From Kano today comes a bomb explosion that has left at least 5 persons dead, many injured. And just yesterday, 12 wedding guests were attacked and killed in Plateau, and 11 others were injured.
In Kebbi, 30 people were confirmed dead as bandits went on a rampage.In Borno, a female suicide bomber killed 24 citizens.
“In Katsina, bandits gunned down a police inspector. All of this just in a day, for a country that is not even at war. And there are many other unreported cases as the incidents are spreading to all nooks and crannies of the country.
“We must begin to treat insecurity as an utmost national priority. When Nigerians speak about fixing these constant killings in the country, and the corruption that has entrenched the system, we are accused of demarketing the nation. Is it not the unchecked bloodshed and constant unaccountable looting that demarkets Nigeria? Is it not an administration that continuously allows insecurity to thrive that demarkets the nation?
“The world is watching. People see these killings and corruption all over the world. Allowing these insecurities and corruption to continue is the real demarketing. What shows our nation’s seriousness is not empty statements but action from our leaders.
“But while the country bleeds daily, Mr. President is reportedly planning a holiday trip to St. Lucia; meanwhile, insecurity in our nation is not on holiday. The grief of Nigerians should not be paused for luxury trips.