By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi made a whistle-stop at three strategic spots in the North at the weekend bemoaning situations that send Nigerians to Internally Displaced, IDP Camps.
The Presidential Candidate paid a condolence visit to the home of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Ghali Na’abba who died during the week and also celebrated with the former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff Abdulrahman Dambazau whose daughter wedded also in Kano at the weekend.
A statement by Michael Jude Nwolisa, Personal Assistant Media, said Obi was accompanied on the two trips by his running mate Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmad and some officials of the Labour Party and Obidient Movement in the state.
On his X handle, Obi said
“I visited Kano State with my brother, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, where we joined other respected Nigerians to attend the wedding of General Abdulrahman Dambazau’s daughter. General Dambazau, a Former Federal Minister of Interiors, had also served our dear nation as a two-time Chief of Army Staff.
“I pray God Almighty to protect and bless the newly wedded couple, grant abundant health and happiness, and bless their union with love, joy, understanding, and peace.
“I was also in Kano State today with my brother, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed to condole with the family of Late Ghali Na’Abba, who passed on recently.
“Before his death, Na’Abba served our dear nation as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones in this difficult time
“May God Almighty forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest and grant his family, the good people of Kano State, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his loss.
Obi said after the Kano event he went to the embattled Plateau town attacked on Christmas Day and has this to say.
“Today, after my two major events in Kano State, I paid a solidarity visit to two Internally Displaced People’s camps (IDPs) in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State.
“The camp came as a result of the unfortunate tragic attacks in the area which have claimed over 100 lives and left over 300 people injured.
“I sympathized with the government and people of Plateau State, especially the many families who lost their loved ones to this dastardly act, and indeed with every Nigerian feeling the pain of insecurity. My heart goes out to the affected families. These are very challenging times in our nation, but we refuse to bow to the challenges.
“May Almighty God forgive the sins of those who died grant them eternal rest, and grant their families the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses. And for the wounded receiving treatment in the hospital, may God grant them a speedy recovery.
“I thank the government of Plateau State for their kind and caring intervention for the affected victims, and the security agencies for their efforts in restoring order in the area and for the great work they are doing in securing Nigeria, especially at this challenging time.
“I made a token donation of N10 million and N5 million to each of the two IDPs in both Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LG Areas.
“I am very concerned about the growing numbers of people seeking refuge in different IDP camps across the country. I have always said that once any Nigerian is internally displaced, every Nigerian is internally displaced.
“I urge governments at all levels, charitable organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to help our fellow compatriots who are today displaced, in different parts of the country, due to insecurity. We will continue to be our brother’s keeper and united in purpose, we will reclaim our nation from the hands of criminals and set it on the path of growth, peace, and progress.”