Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has sparked debate after drawing a bold comparison between former presidential candidate Peter Obi and social media activist Verydarkman, criticizing Obi for his absence in the aftermath of a deadly attack in Benue State.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Daniel Bwala addressed the Fulani attack that occurred in June, which left numerous people dead in Yelwata, Benue State. He expressed disappointment that Peter Obi had yet to visit the grieving community, describing it as a failure of empathy.
“Verydarkman has more empathy than Peter Obi; he wasn’t a politician, but he visited Benue state. Why does he have to wait until he becomes the president before he comes to Benue? Why will he wait until he becomes president before he will demonstrate – empathy is faster and it can be public…” Bwala stated.
He argued that even non-political figures like VeryDarkMan have shown more compassion through direct engagement with victims, in contrast to Obi, whom he accused of waiting for political power before showing such concern.
When questioned about why his principal, President Bola Tinubu, had also not visited Yelwata following the tragedy, Daniel Bwala suggested that the responsibilities of leadership require the president to prioritize broader national affairs.
The remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising Bwala for calling out perceived performative empathy in politics, while others viewed his defense of the presidency as deflective. The debate continues around the role of leaders—elected or aspiring—in responding to national crises.
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