Oby Ezekwesili Criticizes Benue Government Over Student Parade for President Tinubu in the Rain

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has expressed strong disapproval of the Benue State Government for organizing a student parade under poor weather conditions to welcome President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu recently visited Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in response to the tragic incidents involving armed herders in Yelwata, a community within Guma Local Government Area, as well as other affected regions across the state.

Ahead of his arrival, a group of students was seen lined up along the roadside in Makurdi, under rainfall and unfavorable weather, to receive the President.

Reacting to this, Ezekwesili voiced her concern about the welfare of these children, particularly noting that some of them could belong to families that have been victims of the herdsmen violence.

Through a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, she stated:

“The most painful part is that among these children could be some from families who are currently grieving their loved ones—yet they are made to stand under the rain to give a warm welcome to those who have shown absolutely no concern for them.”

She continued by highlighting a deeper issue in Nigeria’s leadership system:

“These acts reflect why Nigeria’s self-centered political class feels no pressure to correct their harmful behaviors and the poor governance that follows. They act like citizens are broken and subdued. But will this always be the case?”

Ezekwesili concluded by affirming hope for change:

“No. Because there remains one factor that these politicians constantly fail to consider—especially when they are intoxicated by the influence and privileges of public office.”