The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sharply criticised First Lady Remi Tinubu’s appeal for birthday gifts to be redirected toward completing the National Library in Abuja, describing the situation as ironic, tragic, and an indictment of Nigeria’s priorities.
Senator Tinubu had appealed to friends and supporters to donate for the completion of the project instead of presenting her with gifts or placing newspaper adverts.
She explained that her passion for education informed her decision to dedicate her birthday to the national library.
Reacting in a post on X titled: “We Are Finished”, Obi said it was ironic and deeply troubling that a country like Nigeria would depend on birthday donations to complete such a critical institution.
He noted that while the government easily finds money for frivolities, education and public infrastructure continue to suffer neglect.
“We are finished! I join millions of Nigerians in wishing Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, a happy birthday… However, I was struck by the irony of her request: that instead of cakes or newspaper adverts, well-wishers should donate toward completing the National Library in Abuja. On the surface, it is noble and selfless. But beneath it lies an indictment of our nation,” he wrote.
Obi recalled that as governor of Anambra State, he also encouraged citizens to divert money meant for newspaper adverts into social causes such as providing computers and classrooms. But, he stressed, those initiatives were never meant to replace government’s primary duty.
“It is shocking that, in our present circumstances, while billions are easily found for jets, yachts, unused mansions, endless trips abroad, and other frivolities, the nation must rely on birthday donations to complete its own National Library,” Obi lamented.
He described the situation as “tragic,” questioning why Nigeria must beg for charity to build “the very temple of knowledge.”
While commending the First Lady’s recognition of education’s value, Obi said the government’s misplaced priorities revealed a deeper national failure.
“If Nigeria will rise, it will not be on the wings of jets or the splendour of mansions, but on the strength of minds formed in classrooms and nourished in libraries. Until then, the lament remains true — we are finished,” he said.
