Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and prominent Nigerian political figure, has come under scrutiny for his silence on recent violent incidents in Imo State.
Over the past week, unknown gunmen have killed eleven people in the state, including seven traditional rulers and four police officers.
Finland-based Simon Ekpa claimed responsibility for the killing of the policemen on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Despite the gravity of these events, Obi has not issued any public statement or condemnation regarding the violence in Imo State.
This contrasts sharply with his prompt responses to other incidents across Nigeria. Notably, Obi was quick to condemn the deaths of protesters in Northern Nigeria and the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos.
Reno Omokri, a prominent commentator, accused Obi of “gaslighting” Northern Nigeria into protesting while allegedly safeguarding his own region. Omokri’s remarks were made during an interview on TVC News, where he criticized Obi for stirring unrest in the North while allegedly neglecting similar issues in the Southeast.
Omokri’s accusations have fueled debates about Obi’s perceived political biases and selective outrage.
The criticism is amplified by recent social media reactions, with various commentators pointing out Obi’s inconsistent responses to violence in different regions.
On social media, reactions to Obi’s silence have been polarized. Some users accuse Obi of hypocrisy, highlighting his swift condemnation of incidents outside the Southeast while remaining silent on violence within Igboland.
Others criticize the focus on Obi, suggesting that attention should be directed towards broader national issues.
Social media users like Ifeoma and Michael ”Rhodes Vivour” Bassie expressed frustration with Obi’s perceived inaction, questioning his commitment to addressing the crises in his own region.
In contrast, some argue that constant criticism of Obi distracts from more pressing national concerns.
