Obi to IGP: Directive on palliatives disturbing, a disincentive, open to abuse

Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr.  Kayode Egbetokun, to review his directive that people who want to assist those in need with palliatives should first seek permission from the police, noting that the order is disturbing and open to abuse.

The IGP had given the directive following stampedes that followed the distribution of palliatives in Ibadan, Oyo State, Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Okija in Anambra State, which resulted in the death of several people including children, and the injuring of many more people.

Mr. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, in an X (former Twitter) post, stressed that the excessive bureaucracy that such a directive will create will discourage acts of philanthropy that will deepen the “widespread hunger, pain, and anger” in the country.

He also urged the government to do more to address the root causes of the prevailing hardship by providing lasting solutions to the problem “rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by government’s insensitive policies.”

 Full text of the post reads:

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.

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. -PO