Recent distributions of palliatives in Nigeria have been marred by tragedy, with deadly stampedes claiming lives. President Bola Tinubu has weighed in, pointing a finger at the organizers, rather than the recipients, as the primary cause. This article breaks down the events, the President’s comments, and what could have been done differently.
- Tragic Stampedes: Palliative distributions in various locations resulted in fatal incidents.
- President’s View: Tinubu blames poor organization and lack of discipline, not need, for the tragedies.
- Past Experience: President Tinubu highlights his own 25 years of giving aid without such incidents
- Call for Discipline: The president emphasizes the need for better organization and discipline across the country
Tinubu: ‘It’s Not About Need, It’s About Chaos’
In a recent media address, President Tinubu addressed the heartbreaking stampedes that occurred during palliative distributions. His comments were sharp, clearly putting the blame on those responsible for the distributions. He stated, ‘The stampedes are a result of poor organization. It’s very sad that people are not well-organized.’
Deadly Disorganization: The Heart of the Problem
The president didn’t hold back, highlighting how a lack of planning and structure led to the chaos. He stated that the recent palliative distributions in Ibadan, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, which resulted in the loss of over 60 lives, could have been easily avoided with better management. Tinubu remarked, ‘We just have to be more disciplined in our society.’ This was not about desperation for aid, but a lack of basic organization.
Tinubu’s History of Giving: A Lesson in Organization
President Tinubu emphasized that he had been giving out aid such as food, clothes, and cash for 25 years, and never experienced this kind of incident because he made sure it was organised properly. This experience, he argues, underscores the importance of proper planning. ‘If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to even give or publicize it,’ he stated, emphasizing the responsibility organizers must bear. Tinubu also likened the situation to the chaotic scenes at bus stops where a lack of queuing and order results in conflict, further illustrating the country’s need for better organisation.
Learning from Mistakes
President Tinubu acknowledged that these events were a ‘grave error on the part of the organisers’ but offered a message of hope, stating that ‘things are improving’ and that this should not stop the season’s happiness.
He also pointed to how food banks and warehouses in America and Britain function in a streamlined fashion with token systems for beneficiaries. This implies a potential system that could be implemented in Nigeria. These measures are used in other countries, to ensure orderly and respectful aid distribution.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Better Systems
The message is clear: while the need for palliatives is real, the real issue is the lack of effective systems for distributing aid without risking lives. It’s a sobering reminder that good intentions are not enough and the need for robust organisation and a change in societal attitude is of paramount importance.
