Peter Obi visited Eda Plaza in Jabi, Abuja where over “45” traders lost their shops to the “recent inferno” that ravaged part of the building.
Via X, the former Anambra State Governor said, when he met with some of the traders affected by the fire, several of them were still “clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins”.
He expressed “deepest sympathy” to the affected traders and assured his “modest” support as they “rebuild”.
Obi said: “I met with some of the affected traders, many of whom were still clearing the debris and trying to salvage whatever could be recovered from the ruins.
“I expressed my deepest sympathy to them and pledged my support, however modest, as they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their livelihoods.”
He said, their shops symbolize “years of hard work and sacrifice”, adding, what the traders lost outweighs buildings and goods; he lamented, the incident has brought “additional hardship” on families.
Obi said: “For many of these traders, their shops represent years of hard work, savings, sacrifice and hope. What was lost is therefore far more than physical structures and merchandise; livelihoods have been disrupted, dreams have been set back, and families have been placed under additional hardship.”
Obi, who is vying in the 2027 Elections for the Office of the President of Nigeria on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reminded the government of its duty to “always care” for its citizens, especially in times of “difficulty”.
He prayed divine “strength” for the affected traders to “recover” from this loss he described as “painful”.
Obi said: “My consistent position has been that government must always care for its people, particularly in moments of difficulty and vulnerability.
“In times like this, leadership must be measured not only by what government builds, but also by how it stands with citizens when they lose what they have painstakingly built.
“I pray that God Almighty grants the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from this painful loss, and that their businesses and livelihoods will be restored.”
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