The Inspector General of Police’s recent edict restricting the provision of palliatives to the less fortunate has alarmed former Nigerian presidential contender Peter Obi.
On Monday, Obi expressed his opinions in a statement posted on X.com (previously Twitter), calling the command “disturbing.”
The directive, he said, might deter goodwill and increase the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians, even if it was intended to address safety concerns in the wake of recent terrible instances associated with palliative distribution.
“The recent directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that places some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less fortunate among us is troubling,” he wrote.
“The directive is vulnerable to abuse, despite being a prompt response to the recent tragedies that have been documented nationwide and the IGP’s sincere response to the difficulties posed by the current economic hardship.
“It has the power to deter citizens from lending a hand to those in need and suffering.
“It is crucial to make clear that good deeds shouldn’t be thwarted by excessive bureaucracy, even while I recognise the need for improved organisation and greater focus on public safety.
“We should encourage people to discover better, more organised ways to help those in need instead of requiring them to ask for permission to do so.
In an era of widespread hunger, suffering, and rage, the emphasis should be on encouraging coordination rather than erecting obstacles that can discourage much-needed acts of kindness.
Obi stressed the value of cultivating kindness and charity in these difficult times, calling on the government to put more emphasis on resolving the underlying causes of economic suffering than on erecting barriers for people who are attempting to assist.
“Now is not the moment to suppress our people’s goodwill and compassion. Let’s instead use these efforts to our advantage, making sure that aid reaches the most vulnerable safely and effectively.
“Instead of creating barriers for individuals filling the voids left by the government’s insensitive policies, the government should do more to address the underlying causes of this hardship and offer long-term solutions.
“In our joint effort to lessen Nigerians’ suffering, I implore the IGP to examine this direction right away and make sure that the police promote cooperation and support rather than discord and discouragement.”
