The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to avoid peddling falsehoods,which are injurious to individuals, institutions and society at large –
especially in this trying period of the nation’s development. He made this observation today while interacting with some journalists in Lagos.
Contending that criticisms ought to be constructive at all times, Obi was reacting to the question about the truth of the allegation that he called on Igbos to ignore Nnamdi Kanu, which led to Dr. Alex Ekwueme accusing him of anti-Igbo moves. This was supposedly at a reception by Eke people at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, in honour of their sons – Mr. Godfrey Onyema, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairsand Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria.
Clarifying issues, Obi noted that Ekwueme is a highly-respected elder Statesman who he regards as a father who offer advice or rebuke him, if need be. He, however, regretted that at the occasion in question, neither he nor Ekwueme spoke during the event or to the press.
Wondering where and when Ekwueme was supposed to have rebuked him, Obi was clear on their interaction at Nike Lake Hotel: “As soon as I entered the venue, I went to greet Dr. Alex Ekwueme. At the end of the event, I saw him and his wife to their car before they left”.
In his characteristic calm, Obi revealed that though such falsehoods were not unusual, “this one is painful because it is disrespectful and abomination in Igboland to ridicule such an eminent elder for cloudy political reasons. In retirement after serving his country and society, we should accord him respect and seek his wisdom and counsel to improve our lives and help to move Nigeria forward – rather than subjecting him to opprobrium”.
On the state of the nation, the former two-term Governor added his weight to the call for the restructuring of the Federation through the implementation of the resolutions of the highly-acclaimed 2014 National Conference. This, he contended, will go a long way in easing increasing agitation across the country as every geo-political Zone is afforded a sense of belonging and opportunity to develop at their own pace.
Thanking Eke people for honouring their two sons, Obi urged the Governments and people of the South East to harness and harmonize their efforts for the good of the zone in particular and the country at large.