Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has praised Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, for his philanthropic efforts in providing clean drinking water to communities in the North of Nigeria. Shehu’s commendation came in response to criticisms leveled against Obi’s borehole donations, particularly from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Shehu, who expressed his views on Twitter, the complaints from APC members about the quality of boreholes donated by Obi are unfounded and hypocritical. He accused these critics of being “empty vessels” involved in corrupt practices, stating, “Those complaining are the same empty vessels that are busy stealing and diverting budgeted and appropriated funds.”
Obi’s borehole donations have been especially significant in communities where access to clean drinking water has been a long-standing challenge. His intervention comes in handy, especially in some areas, where residents have been deprived of clean water for up to three decades, with some resorting to drinking from shared sources contaminated by domestic animals.
Despite facing criticism, Obi’s contributions have been applauded for addressing a critical need in underserved communities. Shehu commended Obi’s generosity and magnanimity, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in improving the lives of marginalized populations.
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“At least, he has done that not as part of constituency projects. Nor does he control any vote,” Shehu remarked, highlighting that Obi’s actions were driven solely by a desire to make a positive impact, rather than political gain.
Shehu also criticized APC members who have failed to fulfill their responsibilities to their constituencies, noting, “This is at a time when most of those complaining of Obi’s donation have not visited their constituencies since after the last elections.”
