NaijNaira
Peter Obi has reacted strongly to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s birthday request, warning that Nigeria is finished if leaders continue shifting national responsibilities to charity—www.naijnaira.com reports.
The First Lady had urged friends and supporters to donate toward the completion of the long-abandoned National Library in Abuja instead of spending money on birthday cakes or media adverts, according to Punch.
While Obi wished her good health and happiness, he expressed deep concern about what the request symbolized for Nigeria’s governance.
“I was struck by irony reading her request,” Obi said. “On the surface, it looks noble, but underneath it exposes a country that has abandoned its responsibilities.”
The former Anambra State governor argued that appeals for donations should complement government efforts, not replace its duties.
He criticized the administration for spending billions on luxury jets, yachts, and mansions while leaving the National Library to rot.
Obi described the library as “the temple of knowledge” and warned that treating it as a birthday project was shameful.
He stressed that no nation grows by investing in vanity while neglecting education.
“If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries,” Obi added.
He concluded with a stark warning: “Until then, the lament remains true—we are finished.”
