Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has publicly criticized the federal government following a fatal road accident involving Nigerian-British boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. The incident, which resulted in two fatalities, occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Fatal Crash and Emergency Response
The accident took place in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which falls under Ogun State. Reports indicate that the vehicle carrying the two-time world heavyweight champion collided with another car. The exact circumstances are still under investigation by the authorities.
Two individuals lost their lives in the crash, while Anthony Joshua sustained only minor injuries. Eyewitnesses described the collision as sudden, leaving little time for other motorists to react. It was noted that Joshua remained at the scene and assisted with rescue efforts before the arrival of official responders.
Obi's Critique and Public Reaction
In a statement, Peter Obi, who is considered a hopeful for the 2027 presidential race, expressed his condolences but also took aim at the government's emergency preparedness. He highlighted that "many of us are also compelled to reflect on reports that no ambulance was readily available to convey him to the hospital." He prayed for Joshua's quick recovery and mourned the death of the boxer's two friends.
His comments have sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians on social media and other platforms:
- O.P. JiRI challenged Obi to present a concrete plan: "If you truly care, tell me: what is your concrete plan to fix emergency response systems and rehabilitate our highways?"
- Masterpiece cited an official report from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stating that officials arrived within three minutes of notification and that police officers on the scene had already transported Joshua to a hospital using their vehicle.
- Other users identified one of the deceased as Sina Ghami, a sports and exercise rehabilitator who was part of Joshua's coaching team.
The Broader Context of Road Safety
This incident has reignited a critical national conversation about the state of emergency services and road safety infrastructure in Nigeria. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major arterial route known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. The public debate now centers on the adequacy of government response systems and the political discourse surrounding such tragedies. The criticism from a prominent figure like Peter Obi ensures that the issue remains in the public eye, putting pressure on authorities to address systemic shortcomings in emergency medical services.
