Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 presidential election has urged his supporters to visit orphanages, hospitals, and charitable organisations in lieu of celebrating his birthday with him. He also revealed that he will not be part of any celebration when he turns 62 on Wednesday.
Mr Obi in a statement made available on his Twitter page on Monday, explained that he would not be celebrating his birthday as a result of the current deplorable state of the nation.
The former governor of Anambra state also indicated his intention to use his birthday as an avenue to raise money for the nation’s underfunded hospitals, schools, and other vital facilities.
“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,” he wrote.
The presidential candidate for the Labour party urged his supporters to “visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, and offer them such generous gifts” on his birthday. Additionally, they can support remote schools for basic education by visiting them and providing them with the necessities.
“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,” he added.
Making a case for his refusal to celebrate his birthday Mr Obi berated the incessant killings Benue and Plateau state and the rising spate of kidnapping across the country.
“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,” Mr Obi said.
“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 properties of citizens will be secure. I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youths,” he added.
