The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has termed the recent food stampedes in various states as a dismal reminder of Nigerians’ deepening poverty, hunger, and despair under the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
In a statement made in Abuja, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, blamed the tragedies on the “overtly insensitive, corrupt, and directionless APC government.”
The statement grieved the deaths of over 60 people, including children, in separate stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as desperate citizens sought food amid rising famine and poverty.
“The PDP is horrified that the APC-led administration has destroyed our once-thriving economy and reduced millions of Nigerians to abject poverty. Many citizens are unable to afford daily meals, which is leading to an increase in suicides, perilous migration attempts, and desperate fights for basic survival, according to Ologunagba.
He also bemoaned the dichotomy of Nigeria’s enormous resources and the horrible reality of residents dying in food stampedes, describing it as evidence of “a party of political vampires and buccaneers” who have no empathy for human life.
Ologunagba chastised the APC for making misleading claims about economic progress and food security while failing to make significant investments in agricultural and food production. He also accused the administration of rejecting repeated pleas from the PDP and concerned Nigerians to reconsider policies such as the sharp spike in fuel prices and the unplanned floating of the currency.
“Rather than deploying resources for the people’s welfare, APC leaders are busy looting public funds through budget padding, contract inflation, palliative racketeering, and phony programs that offer no real benefits to Nigerians,” the politician said.
The PDP requested prompt action from the federal government, including a review of “suffocating economic and tax policies” to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering and prevent future tragedies.
The party expressed sympathy with Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate loss of life, applauding the governor’s prompt response in giving medical help to victims.
Furthermore, the PDP expressed sympathy to the families impacted by the stampedes in Anambra and Abuja, calling for a thorough inquiry into the tragedies to prevent future occurrences.
The statement continued with prayers for the deceased’s souls to rest in peace and for those injured to recover quickly.
