Why I Didn’t Commission Any Project as Governor: Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Charly Boy Bus Stop Renaming Controversy

 

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on the ongoing debate surrounding the renaming of the well-known Charly Boy Bus Stop in Lagos. Addressing a viral issue that stirred considerable public outrage, Obi offered not only his perspective on the matter but also used the moment to highlight his personal values regarding public office and recognition.

The Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State recently renamed the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop to Olamide Baddo Bus Stop, a move that triggered heated reactions from many Nigerians. The decision sparked calls for immediate reversal, with several public figures and residents condemning it as disrespectful to the original namesake, entertainer and activist Charly Boy.

While Obi was not directly involved in the naming or renaming process, the controversy served as a springboard for him to share his broader philosophy about public service, legacy, and humility in governance. In a candid conversation with Charly Boy that surfaced online, Obi expressed strong disinterest in associating public projects or facilities with personal glory.

He made it clear that he did not commission any project throughout his tenure as governor of Anambra State, stating that he found the ceremony irrelevant in the grand scheme of governance. “I didn’t commission anything when I was governor,” Obi noted. “People say I didn’t publicize my work enough. But I didn’t see the need to put my name on anything.”

The former governor emphasized that any facility or project he executed during his time in office was funded by public money, and as such, he felt it would be inappropriate to brand those efforts with his name or image. Rather than seeking personal recognition, he believed the focus should always be on whether those services or structures were effectively serving the people.

Recalling an experience during his governorship, Obi shared how he had refused an offer to have a hospital building named after him or his late mother. “The proprietor of the hospital insisted on naming it after me, but I declined. I told him it was built with public resources and it’s not about me,” he said.

This stance, according to Obi, led some to believe that he was inactive or did not accomplish much during his tenure, simply because there was no visible signage bearing his name. He dismissed that perception as misplaced, insisting that the true value of governance lies in silent and effective service, not flamboyant publicity.

Turning to the recent controversy surrounding the bus stop renaming, Obi stated that the issue was irrelevant in the face of Nigeria’s more pressing challenges. “We have millions of Nigerians who don’t know where their next meal will come from. Whether it’s called Charly Boy Bus Stop or Olamide Baddo Bus Stop doesn’t address the real needs of the people,” he said.

He criticized the overemphasis on symbolic gestures and vanity naming, which, in his view, divert attention from more substantive governance issues. For him, the priority should always be the functionality and accessibility of public facilities, not who they are named after.

The former governor further declared that even if he eventually assumes the office of the President, he would still hold true to his belief. “Not one facility will bear my name. All I want is for them to work, to serve the people. That’s my legacy,” he affirmed.

Obi’s comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, infrastructure decay, and widespread disenchantment with political leadership. His message resonated with many who view him as a rare figure in Nigerian politics, someone who shuns flamboyance in favor of purpose-driven leadership.

As debates over legacy, honor, and recognition continue to swirl within the Nigerian public space, Peter Obi's refusal to bask in the glow of eponymous accolades presents a sharp contrast to a political culture often dominated by self-promotion and symbolic gestures. Whether or not this approach wins him broader political support, it has undeniably deepened his reputation as a man more interested in impact than applause.