I want to use this opportunity to speak about the kind of human being His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, truly is. He is a man of time, discipline, and uncommon energy, deeply committed to the Nigerian nation. He is eager to be a vessel of upliftment for the country. He feels the pain of Nigerians, understands what they are going through, and constantly works to make national leadership feel closer to the people. His life and actions give hope to humanity.
Few days ago, I shared photos and videos of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi’s interaction with Obidient Movement Support Groups, where he met with some members of NNPO who attended the meeting. I also posted about his strong message on love, unity, and national cohesion delivered in Abuja, where he was actively campaigning for Dr. MO and other ADC candidates contesting for Local Government Chairman positions.
From Abuja, His Excellency attended two additional events in Lagos State. At about 4:00 a.m., I was informed by his Personal Assistant that he would be attending the Requiem Mass of His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. As usual, I accompanied him. We arrived at Port Harcourt Airport at about 10:00 a.m. Upon arrival, the former Governor of Bayelsa State called him and requested that they go to the burial mass together. We proceeded to the former governor’s residence and then to the church.
Due to the large crowd, we parked our vehicle about three kilometres away from the church. At about 2:30 p.m., we left the church and walked another three kilometres back to where we parked. While walking, young people who were with us and singing Obidient songs began asking questions such as, “What manner of man is this?” Some wondered where Mr. Peter Obi got his energy from. To everyone’s surprise, he even started jogging. I clearly heard someone say, “I am younger than this man and I am tired, yet he is running.”
While still in Bayelsa State, His Excellency called me and said, “The son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is getting married to the daughter of Senator Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako today in Abuja, and I must be there.” He instructed me to confirm his flight tickets from Port Harcourt to Abuja and then from Abuja to Lagos, which I immediately did.
On our way back to the airport, I overheard him telling someone that he would be flying out of Abuja early the next morning. When I asked if it was the same flight I had just confirmed, he said no. He explained that he would return to Abuja to continue campaigning for the Local Government elections alongside all ADC candidates.
At the airport, he carried his bag by himself, as usual. I walked him to the check-in counter, and we waved goodbye to each other.
Before leaving, he reminded me to ensure I travelled to Alor-Ndiziogu, a visit he was supposed to make from Bayelsa State. Unfortunately, due to an accident involving his vehicle the previous day, he could not make the trip and sent me instead. I had left Onitsha with his driver to Port Harcourt, intending to arrive before his flight that morning.
Sadly, we were involved in an accident at Awommama on our way to Port Harcourt.
Our escort vehicle was ahead, while I was in the car behind. A trailer overtook us at high speed on a narrow road. The driver of the vehicle I was in tried to avoid the trailer but ended up in a deep pothole at the edge of the road. Thankfully, we were safe. Nothing worse happened except the two of the tyers and the rims were badly damaged.
This entire experience once again shows the character of Mr. Peter Obi, a leader driven by service, empathy, humility, and tireless commitment to Nigeria and its people.
