Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, urging the world to embrace peace, compassion and respect for human life over hatred and terror.
Obi made the call on Saturday in New York after attending a prayer and remembrance service marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked passenger planes were crashed into the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia, while another aircraft crashed in Pennsylvania.
Reflecting on the tragedy, the former Anambra State governor said the pain remained deeply felt by families who lost loved ones and by the American people.
“Earlier today, while in New York, I joined in prayers and a service of remembrance to honour the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001.
“Twenty-five years later, the pain of that tragic day remains deeply felt by the families who lost loved ones and by a nation that has continued to carry their memory,” Obi said in a post on X.
He also honoured firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others during the attacks.
According to him, their courage and selflessness demonstrated the capacity of humanity to show goodness even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Obi said the 9/11 attacks also reinforced the importance of recognising the sanctity of human life irrespective of nationality, race, religion or political differences.
“Beyond nationality, race, religion, or political differences, there is a fundamental truth that binds us all: human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate extended his sympathy and solidarity to families still mourning those killed in the attacks, as well as to the American people.
He prayed for the continued repose of the victims and urged people across the world to work towards a future where peace, justice, compassion and respect for human life would prevail over hatred and terrorism.
“May their memory inspire us to work towards a world where peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror.
“We remember. We honour. We will never forget,” Obi added.
He disclosed that he continued with high-level meetings in New York after the remembrance service, which had ended before he made the post.
Obi also prayed for a peaceful world, saying, “We remain prayerful to God Almighty for a peaceful world.”
