Obi clears the air on video of him serving food at an event

Former Anambra State governor and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has cleared the air on the controversy that followed videos and pictures where he was captured personally serving food to guests at an event in Imo State.

The video had generated reactions from Nigerians with some commending him for his humility and servant-leader disposition while others condemned him and saw the gesture as a desperate political PR stunt to gain votes for 2027.

Some other critics of the act sarcastically referred to Obi as a barman and questioned the authenticity of the gesture.

While reacting to the criticism in a statement posted on his X platform on Sunday, Obi wondered at the way people twisted his gesture and gave it different colouration.

In the statement, he noted that the occasion was a private event where the press was not invited nor was it publicised, but somehow, some third parties independently shared photos and videos online.

He added that the event was not about him but was organized by a foundation called ‘Jubilee of Hope’, and its purpose was straightforward which was to remind all that “true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not.”

“My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest, as expectedly, because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership,” Obi wrote.

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“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.

“When I attended the Jubilee of Hope in Imo State, it was a private service event. I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos.

“As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work 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.

“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.

“Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right.”

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