Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, says he will not accede to requests by his friends, party members and supporters to join him in celebrating his birthday and even present some gifts.
Obi, however, appealed to those who may desire to celebrate him with gifts to look around them and extend the gesture to the people in need.
In a statement issued on his verified Twitter handle on Monday, the former Anambra State Governor said he has always maintained that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from everyone, the leaders and the well-placed, insisting that the state of the nation gives cause to pause and ponder.
While suggesting that there is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed in the country,’ Obi said he would want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of, claiming it is the true celebration that will benefit all Nigerians.
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 the OBIdient Family and supporters have asked how they can join me in celebrating that day and even present some gifts.
”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 time.
”I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities and offer them 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.
”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.”
