The Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has stated that he will maintain his decision not to celebrate his birthdays in today’s Nigeria due to its current deplorable state.
Ahead of his 62nd birthday, Obi
on Monday, in a tweet via his Twitter handle said that a birthday celebration
for him would be counter-productive in today’s Nigeria, where many are
grappling with myriads of challenges.
He wrote, “Wednesday 19th July
2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His
infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will
not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable
state of the nation. However, some friends, members of the Labour Party, and
OBIdient Family and supporters have asked how they can join me in celebrating
that day, and even present some gifts.”
While urging that gifts meant
to celebrate him be given to those in dire need, he stated, “Let me humbly and
respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of
gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need,
especially in these difficult times.
“I urge them to visit
hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities, and
offer them such generous gifts. They can also visit schools of basic studies in
remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need.
“Those who wish to do more can
visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the
same thing. Aside from sharing my time and resources with the less fortunate
people around me, I plan to raise money for schools, hospitals, etc.”
Obi disclosed that efforts
towards improving the standard of living should be holistic, stressing “I have
already said that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from us,
the leaders and the well-placed. The state of our nation must give us cause to
pause and ponder. There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed.”
While lamenting wanton killings
in North-Central, especially in Benue and Plateau States, he expressed optimism
to celebrate a Nigeria that works, “This month alone over 200 lives have been
lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau State. Similarly, in
Benue State, over 100 lives have been lost in recent times, the latest being 27
persons killed in Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum LGA.
“There are also many other
cases of kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country. I want to
celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and property of citizens will be
secure. I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create
opportunities for our youths.
“I want to celebrate in a
Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not
my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the possible, believing
as we do that a new Nigeria is possible,” Obi wrote.
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