Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow as he marked his 62nd birthday amidst the devastating news of over 327 Nigerians killed in the states of Plateau and Benue this month.
The former governor of Anambra humbly appealed to well-wishers not to celebrate his birthday with gifts, but instead urged them to extend support to those in need, particularly in these challenging times.
In a statement released in Lagos on Wednesday, Peter Obi expressed his heartfelt concern over the prevailing state of the nation, particularly in the regions of Benue and Plateau, where tragic incidents have claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, saying that the wave of violence and loss of lives has deeply impacted him, making it impossible for him to find any reason to rejoice on his special day.
The killings in Plateau and Benue have sparked national outrage and brought attention to the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria. The loss of innocent lives has heightened calls for enhanced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens across the country.
He said: “Today marks my 62nd birthday but there will be no celebration because in this month so far, over 327 innocent Nigerians have been killed in Plateau, Benue and other states in a reckless manner.
“There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed. This month alone over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau.
“Similarly, in Benue, 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 are secured.
Obi said while he remained grateful to God for His infinite mercies, he still maintained his decision of over 20 years, that he would not celebrate his birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current state of the nation.
The entrepreneur said some of his friends, members of the Labour Party, and OBIdient family and supporters had asked how they could join him in celebrating that day, and even present some gifts.
The former governor, however, humbly appealed to all those who desired to celebrate him with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.
He said: “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.”
Obi said he intended to do the same, adding that aside from sharing his time and resources with the less fortunate people around him, he also planned to raise money for schools and hospitals.
The former governor said the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from them, the leaders and the well-placed, adding that the state of the nation must give them cause to pause and ponder.
He said he wanted to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that could create opportunities for the youths and he wanted to celebrate in a Nigeria that worked for all and which Nigerians could be proud of.
According to him, this, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
He noted that as Nigerians, they must always expand their imagination of the possible, believing as we do that a better Nigeria was possible.
