A former contender for Nigeria’s top job under the Labour Party banner has firmly declared that he holds no contempt for any citizen, underscoring that his approach to public service stems from understanding, openness, and regard for people’s worth.
Peter Obi voiced this view in response to online jabs branding some of his backers as “street urchins” and those from humble backgrounds. The 64-year-old entrepreneur shared his thoughts on the social platform X, previously known as Twitter, midweek.
He highlighted how such harsh words reveal a troubling scorn towards everyday people. In his post, Obi noted: “In recent times, I’ve come across remarks claiming that Peter Obi’s followers come from lower rungs of society, with some even labelling them as worthless wanderers or insignificant souls. It’s truly regrettable that in present-day Nigeria, people resort to belittling their own compatriots in this hurtful fashion.”
The business leader affirmed that his engagement in politics draws from kindness and fellow feeling, steering clear of snobbery or dividing lines based on status. At its heart, his vision focuses on bringing everyone in and boosting their potential. “I’ve always avoided and will continue to avoid scorning anybody, save to help them stand taller. In the end, our own progress depends on raising others alongside us. My step into the political arena was never about rubbing shoulders with the elite or influential, but rather about aligning with the common folk whose pleas go unheard and whose wealth has been plundered by those self-styled grandees flaunting fancy honours and aliases,” he continued.
Obi condemned the practice of mocking hard-pressed citizens who shoulder the weight of financial woes, insisting that all deserve honour and a fair shot. “Not a single Nigerian lacks worth. Not a single Nigerian roams as a street urchin. This mindset lays bare the dire condition of our country, where regular people endure crushing want and distress until their own guides dismiss them as worthless vagrants.”
The one-time head of Anambra State renewed his pledge to champion measures that put schooling, medical services, and easing deprivation at the forefront, explaining that real guidance shines through empathy, not ridicule. “All Nigerians merit respect, chances, and support. That’s precisely why I’ll keep contributing to create a brighter future for the average person, grounded in schooling access, top-notch health provisions, and sincere drives to pull them from hardship. Genuine authority isn’t found in jeering at the vulnerable; it’s in elevating them,” Obi concluded.
Earlier in the week, the politician had called on officials in Lagos State to blend strict rules with mercy when clearing out unauthorised builds, pointing out that sticking rigidly to the letter of the law doesn’t make up for failing the test of decency.
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