“Please Show Leadership In Your Conduct,” – Otega Ogra Urges Peter Obi

O’tega Ogra, a prominent public affairs commentator and government communications strategist, has strongly criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi over remarks deemed as politicising a recent national tragedy in Benue State. Writing in his personal capacity, Ogra, who currently serves in a communications advisory role in government, made it clear that his views do not reflect any official position of the administration.

In a statement shared on his personal social media platform and signed off as his “personal views,” Ogra accused Obi of displaying a pattern of using moments of national grief to advance political narratives.

“Please show leadership in your conduct, sir,” Ogra wrote pointedly, addressing Obi directly.

The statement was triggered by Obi’s recent public comments on the attacks in Benue, which have drawn national attention and prompted swift government response. Ogra condemned Obi’s comments as “a performance of grief for applause” and described them as insensitive and self-serving, especially coming from someone whose past leadership, he said, was marred by serious human rights concerns.

“It is regrettable,” Ogra said, “that a former presidential candidate and ex-governor whose leadership record is permanently stained by one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters of police brutality under the disbanded Awkuzu SARS now seeks to lecture others on leadership and politicise a tragedy. Shame.”

Ogra noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken concrete actions in response to the Benue tragedy, including the relocation of the Chief of Army Staff to the affected area and activation of internal security and intelligence operations. “The President has given marching orders to his national security apparatus and remains in constant touch with the Benue State Governor and critical stakeholders,” he said.

Calling for empathy and responsibility in public discourse, Ogra urged leaders—particularly those with executive experience—to recognise the complexity and uniqueness of security challenges. “Each security incident differs in context, complexity, and causes,” he noted. “They must always be addressed with the urgency and discretion they deserve.”

He concluded with a historical reminder, urging Obi to heed the wisdom of statesmen who caution against politicising pain. Quoting historical counsel, Ogra wrote, “You do not preach in white nor play politics with the tragedy and pain of others especially when your record is written in lies and blood.”

Reaffirming that his opinions are personal, Ogra added, “All views expressed above are personal and entirely mine and do not reflect an official position of government.”

The comment has since sparked conversations across social and political circles, highlighting the growing tensions between key opposition voices and administration allies on how national tragedies should be addressed and communicated.

Featured Image Credit: Otega Ogra.