The unfortunate fire incident at Bode Market has once again become a subject of political debate, with supporters of different political parties attempting to shape the public narrative around donations made to the affected traders.
First and foremost, every donation made to support victims of the inferno deserves appreciation, regardless of the amount. At a time when many traders have lost their means of livelihood, every act of compassion counts.
However, it is difficult to understand why some supporters of the APM have been celebrating the ₦2.5 million donation by their gubernatorial candidate as though it surpasses the ₦25 million intervention announced by the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
The figures speak for themselves. The ₦2.5 million donation is one-tenth of ₦25 million. In simple terms, it is the equivalent of a tithe when compared with the APC candidate’s pledged intervention. This is not to diminish any contribution, but to put the scale of the donations into proper perspective.
Equally surprising is the rush by some commentators to dismiss the ₦25 million donation as “audio money.” Such claims overlook the practical realities of managing humanitarian interventions of that size. A donation running into tens of millions of naira is expected to go through proper documentation and transparent disbursement procedures, particularly when it is intended for a large number of beneficiaries.
According to explanations provided to the traders by APC representatives at the market, the donation was being processed and was expected to be credited on Monday. Allowing due process before disbursement should not be mistaken for a lack of sincerity.
At moments like this, the focus should not be on scoring political points but on ensuring that every promised intervention reaches the victims promptly and transparently. The traders who lost their goods and sources of income deserve genuine support, not unnecessary political controversies.
As Oyo State continues to witness increased political activities ahead of the next election cycle, leaders and their supporters should remember that compassion is best demonstrated through meaningful action. The victims of the Bode Market fire will remember those whose interventions made a real difference in helping them rebuild their businesses and their lives.
Alawode Rahmon Akintunde
alawoderahmon@gmail.com
Ibadan, Oyo State.
