By Richard Ogunsile

Nigerians have taken to social media, X particularly, to drag 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, billionaires in the Southeast and top celebrities in the country for allegedly abandoning popular Nollywood actor, John Okafor, professionally known as Mr Ibu.

Naija News recalls that Mr Ibu had a few days ago cried out for prayers following his battle with an unnamed illness which may lead to the amputation of his legs.

Nigerians have since expressed their sympathy for the comic actor, asking welldoing citizens and politicians to come to Mr Ibu’s aid.

Amid the worries, the foundation of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, announced that it has fully covered the medical expenses of the ailing actor. The development was disclosed in a statement released by the foundation on their Facebook page on Friday.

The statement said, “The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu, a renowned comedic icon who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades.

“The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has fully covered the medical expenses of the renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.

“When we learned of his recent health challenges and the financial burdens associated with his medical treatment, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to assist in any way we could. We promptly paid off his entire medical expenses as of Wednesday.

“We encourage everyone who can to come forward and assist in any capacity, whether it’s through financial contributions, moral support, or prayers.

“We wish him a swift and complete recovery.”

Naija News reports that Bukola Saraki’s foundation gesture has since elicited joy among Nigerians who cared for the well-being of the ailing actor. However, while many were praising Mr Ibu’s benefactor, some netizens have criticized Peter Obi, accusing him of refusing to assist the actor who had supported his presidential bid.

The netizens also lampooned some self-proclaimed billionaires in the Southeast for allegedly refusing to help Mr Ibu in his trying times. Top celebrities in the country were not left out in the dragging as Nigerians thanked God that help came from where it was least expected.

See some of the reactions below:

@Muyieto – “Wow… This really a strong message to Nigerians. None see this coming! Attention was on celebrities to raise the funds. How God work beyond human understanding. Big time lesson.

@bukolasaraki – Long ago we don’t have Senate president. Nigerians dey miss u. Thank u, sir.

@Blaton4 – “A very BIG thank to Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for paying off the medical bill of Mr. Ibu. May the almighty God richly bless you. Plz let others join by extending their kindness to Mr. Ibu

@NnamdiUdensi – “Empathy is not a skill .It comes from within . All the so called Billionaires that drinks 40years old whiskey in Igbo land were found napping on this and a man from the north came to IBU’s rescu. Thank you Dr Saraki . Your family will receive help any time they need one from God.

@bolaji_femmy – “A tribe that claimed to have the highest number of billionaires in the world can’t afford to save one of their own. Same thing Nwankwo Kanu said. Only Tinubu gave him millions when he needed support. I wish IBU good health. But make una stop chest beating for that area

@OguntoyeBanji – “God should be praised for this. No one brings anything to this world and nothing shall be taken away. Likewise we appreciate the good gesture from the foundation. To those he devoted his time then to campaign for but refused to do the needful, may God forgive him and his entourage.

@BolajokoOlayemi came hard on Peter Obi, saying: “Shame on PO and his co-GBAJUEs. After all the hullabaloo and sleepless nights, this guy went through cuz of PO, the GBAJUE turned a deaf ear to his plight as if nothing dey sup chai!!! This life no balance at all.

@1966Greatheart – “Kanayo Kanoyo and our ageless/delectable auntie MS. Kate Henshaw, hope una don hear am. Help has arisen from somewhere for Ibu. It’s time to stop being defensive and hope and pray for a quick recovery for one of our best in the film industry.

@Joe_221 – “The question is, where are the Ibo Billionaires when Mr. Ibu was soliciting for funds to settle his medical bills?

@PstAdelokun – “That’s the Nigeria we all desire! Where a Yoruba man sees his Ibo brother and helps him in trying times. It could be the other way around. No one knows tomorrow. Thank GOD for the help that comes at the right time for Mr IBU.

@Orinatebriggs – “Where are the big shot musicians whose names were all over social media claiming to help him? I guess there’s a big difference btw doing and saying I will do.

@abumuonyi96183 – “Igbos loved Bukola Saraki before now we can see how Yoruba people are happy with him now but if Tomorrow he comes out for president and Igbos want to vote for him, the same Yoruba people will deny him as a Yoruba man and tag him omo igbo.

@livestronghz – “Obidiots really wished obi paid for it, after he was called out to pay from his HeroBeer to rate him 10/10 but Baba threw face away. And now, they are sad that Bukola Saraki did. They are full of toxics.

@JemimahJoh47158 – “Which one is cleared bills? One would think he paid for everything. Anyways thanks for the support. To those talking about the Igbos not helping. B-Lord already came out to take care of his medical bills side days ago.

@emaoguns – “One day if Mr Ibu shows solidarity for Saraki during his campaign to become the president..so many people here would still drag him on this street…Just like the Case of Kanu Nwankwo and Tinubu’s related matter.”