By John Ogunsemore
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has reacted to the controversy generated by a recent video where he is shown serving food to attendees at a recent event.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, the former Anambra governor disclosed that the charity event called the Jubilee of Hope was held last week in Imo State.
According to him, the event encouraged the highly placed in society to serve the vulnerable, encouraging compassion and responsible leadership.
He frowned at the politicisation of his participation, saying it was not unexpected “because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership”.
“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. Let me be clear, that event was not about me.
“It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and its purpose is straightforward: to remind us all that true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not,” Obi stated.
However, the ex-presidential candidate emphasised that he did not post or authorise the posting of the video of his participation and berated naysayers and paid agents “trying to twist something sincere into something political”.
Obi explained that other dignitaries, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, also quietly and sincerely participated in serving food at the event.
He added, “I am genuinely surprised that this simple act has become a topic of discussion. As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life.
“At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. I could not ignore them. That was the only reason. Otherwise, there was nothing special about what I did. Service is not special, it is expected.
“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor.
“Events like this must not remain symbolic, they must become cultural. Public office holders, business leaders, and everyday citizens must unite in lifting others.”
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