No House Help: Obi Hits Back at Critics, Says ‘I Serve Guests Myself, Sweep, Clean My Home’

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to critics who questioned his recent act of serving food at a private event in Imo State, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in service and humility. In a statement addressing the viral photos and videos from the Jubilee of Hope  event, Obi clarified that his actions were not politically motivated but a reflection of his lifelong commitment to empathy and equity.

‎The Jubilee of Hope, a private service event aimed at bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, saw Obi and other prominent Nigerians, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and former Seplat Plc Chairman Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, serving food to attendees.

Obi noted that the event was not publicized by his team, and the circulating images were shared by third parties, sparking both admiration and skepticism online.

‎“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people,” Obi said in his statement. “The Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build.”

He expressed surprise that his actions drew attention, revealing that he lives a simple life without domestic staff, personally serving guests, sweeping, and cleaning his home. “Humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life,” he added.

‎The Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build

‎Obi recounted staying longer at the event to personally serve attendees who requested it, emphasizing that service should be an expectation, not an exception. He criticized the disconnect in leadership, stating, “Leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership.” He called for a cultural shift where acts of service become the norm, urging public office holders, business leaders, and citizens to unite in uplifting the less privileged.

‎The former governor reiterated his vision for a “New Nigeria” where hope and dignity are universal rights, not privileges. “We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor,” he said, concluding with his signature rallying cry: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

‎Leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership

‎The statement has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with supporters praising Obi’s humility and critics dismissing the act as a publicity stunt. Nonetheless, Obi’s message underscores a broader call for empathy and responsibility in Nigerian leadership.