Peter Obi serves guests, sweeps by himself
Peter Obi serving food
Peter Obi serves guests, sweeps by himself
Former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has reacted to criticisms that greeted a recent viral picture in which he was seen serving food to people at a social event.
Many critics had accused Obi who had indicated that he will contest the presidency in 2027 of seeking engaging in cheap populism to attract support of voters with the pictures.
But the former Anambra State governor in a post on his X handle on Sunday morning dismissed the criticisms that have trailed the picture.
He said it sound strange to people that he was serving food because, “leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership.”
Obi said such simple was not strange to him as governor of Anambra State and at his home.
The former presidential candidate said he usually served his guests when he was governor while he also sweep, clean and do other domestic chores at home.
He said such display of humility is not a campaign strategy, but a way of life to him.
“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, ” Peter Obi said.
He also explained that the event in which he was captured serving food to people is called the Jubilee of Hope initiated as a reminder that “true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not.”
The former governor also explained that the event held in Imo State was a private service event and the pictures and the videos were shared by some third parties, completely outside of his team.
He accused the usual ‘naysayers and paid agents’ of trying to ‘twist something sincere into something political.’
“But let me restate the heart of the matter, the Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build. A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.
“I was not the only one who served that day. Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated, people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, and many others, quietly and sincerely. It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience.
“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.
Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right,” he said.
