Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, addressed comments made by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. When asked about Soyinka’s statement questioning his fitness to govern Nigeria, Obi responded with a perspective rooted in respect for elders.
Obi articulated his stance on the matter during an appearance on Arise Television’s News program. He emphasized his policy of not responding to elders as a sign of respect, a principle he intends to uphold even as he ages. “At my age, I would want younger ones to respect me,” Obi stated, reflecting on how he would expect to be treated in the future.
However, speaking on the sideline of the Democracy Day celebration, Obi said he had never, knowingly or unknowingly, asked the Obidients or the younger ones to say anything against anyone.
He said: “Well, quite frankly, I will not make any comment on that. Wole Soyinka is a father. I have a policy as a father: I don’t respond when my fathers talk. I leave it to them because when I became at their age, I would want those other younger ones to respect me. Though I would try to put myself in a position where I will respect myself before that.”
“But one of those he talked about is me inciting the ‘Obidients’. I assure you, I have never, and I will never, knowingly or unknowingly, ask the Obidients or the younger ones to say anything against a priest, immam or elder; it will never happen.”
“I don’t make comments. It’s left for Nigerians to know whether I’m fit or not. I have been a successful businessman in the private sector. I have been in the corporate world, and I will say I am one of the most successful.”
“I have also served in the state, and I ask those who attack to let us put our records and check them side by side.”