The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi has said that he would not celebrate his 62nd birthday which comes up in few days due to the deplorable state of the nation.
Obi who made this known in a statement issued on his verified Twitter handle on Monday, lamented at the rate of insecurity, Kidnapping and bloodshed in the country, adding that he wants to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and properties of citizens will be secure and also he wants to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for youths.
He then, appeal to persons who wants to gift him on his birthday to extend the gifts to the people in need and also visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities.
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 times.
“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.
“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 properties of citizens will be secure. I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youths.
“As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the possible, believing as we do that a New Nigeria is possible.”