The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu following the tragic death of at least 65 Nigerians in stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija between Wednesday and Saturday.
The stampedes occurred during a Christmas party and distribution of free rice, leaving the nation in mourning.
In a statement on Saturday, the AAC National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, attributed the incidents to the “anti-people economic policies” of the Tinubu administration, stating that these policies had “finally succeeded” in pushing Nigerians to desperation.
The party expressed condolences to the victims, particularly mourning the loss of 35 children and six critically injured individuals at the Ibadan funfair, as well as the casualties in Okija, which plunged the community into sorrow.
Adeyeye remarked, “While we are still mourning, the same unfortunate incident also struck in Abuja, reinforcing our stance that this is a nationwide tragedy caused by excruciating poverty, hardship, and wanton deprivation.”
“These devastating incidents are heartbreaking consequences of the poverty and desperation inflicted upon Nigerians by the anti-poor policies of the Tinubu regime,” he added.
He further criticized the government’s response, stating, “Since these incidents, the Tinubu regime has not constituted any measures, including emergency responses, to address this recurring menace. In other climes, a missing persons register would have been opened, a situation room providing hourly updates on rescue and relief efforts would have been established.”
Instead, Adeyeye alleged, “The President was in Lagos gallivanting with his retinue of sycophants, showing off his new jet and fleet of cars.”
The AAC demanded justice and compensation for the victims’ families. “While we are sure that no amount of compensation can blot out the grief experienced at this time, we call for a democratic committee, comprising representatives from working people organizations, to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.
Adeyeye warned Nigerians against being swayed by the condolence messages of politicians. “Their words are nothing but ‘crocodile tears’ aimed at exploiting the suffering of the people for their own political gain. It’s time for Nigerians to bond together to end this regime of pain and hardship.”
He concluded, “The AAC will continue to fight for a system that prioritizes the welfare and well-being of the people, not just the profits of the few. We demand an end to the anti-poor policies of the Tinubu regime and the establishment of a government that truly represents the interests of the people.”
