Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has publicly congratulated the incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
Obi took to his official Facebook page on Monday to extend heartfelt wishes to his political contemporary, calling him “my dear elder brother.”
“Your Excellency, My dear elder brother,
My family and I join other men and women of goodwill in rejoicing with you as you mark another year today.
May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and good health as you serve our dear state and nation.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” Obi wrote.
While the message was viewed by many as an act of maturity and statesmanship, it also sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. Some praised Obi for rising above political differences, while others criticized the gesture, especially in light of recent public tensions between both leaders.
Political Undercurrents and Public Reactions
The public sentiment was further influenced by the fact that Governor Soludo had not publicly acknowledged Obi’s birthday earlier in July. Additionally, there had been prior tension when the Soludo administration disputed Obi’s claim that SABMiller Brewery established during Obi’s tenure as governor was the highest taxpayer in Anambra State.
To refute that claim, Soludo’s administration released tax documents showing that five Nigerian banks ranked above SABMiller, placing it sixth in terms of tax contributions.
Despite this backdrop, Obi’s birthday message was seen by many as an example of political civility and emotional intelligence. However, social media users remained divided in their opinions.
Highlights of Facebook Reactions:
Eroh Erohdaking commented:
“You see, wisdom can never be bought with money. You can be a professor, but you don’t have wisdom.”
Hrh Igwe Nnaemeka Omemgbeoji praised Obi’s gesture:
“…Even when Charles Chukwuma Soludo didn’t wish you happy birthday on your day, you still took time to wish him. Your charisma needs to be studied.”
Tochukwu Paschal sounded a warning:
“I will wait until the day you will mistakenly wish Reno a happy birthday in the name of ‘he’s my well-respected junior brother’… Na that day we go show you say no be only you get yourself again.”
Anukanti Vigilius Chukwuka admired Obi’s uniqueness:
“This man is very different from African politicians. This is the man we need to reset Nigeria.”
Ferdinand Ohalee echoed the sentiment of love over rivalry:
“When you go low, you go high. In the new Nigeria of our dream, there won’t be any iota of bitterness rather love, compassion, and dedication to service to humanity. Happy birthday Prof Charles Soludo.”
A Symbol of Grace?
Peter Obi’s message, though simple, has reignited a broader discussion on the quality of leadership, emotional intelligence in politics, and the role of personal conduct in national healing. Whether a strategic move or a genuine show of goodwill, his public felicitation of Governor Soludo is being viewed as a litmus test of political maturity in Nigeria’s democracy.
