Mr. Peter Obi has expressed his disapproval of what he described as “deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by certain individuals to blackmail” him “into conforming to their nefarious agenda.”
He also condemned the renewed campaign to evict Igbos from Lagos and South West States under the hashtag #IgboMustGo.
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, added, “Their dubious maneuvers have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State.”
The former governor of Anambra emphasized, “They have distorted the video to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about waging war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
“Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.
“The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been compensated to spread this misinformation. This kind of deceit has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.
“This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and the welfare of citizens triumph over the greed of a few.”
Regarding the rising threats to evict Igbos from Lagos and the South West, Obi warned that such statements, if left uninvestigated, could endanger Nigeria’s unity.
“Moreover, and deeply troubling, I have encountered genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me clearly warn that such rhetoric endangers our unity and fundamentally contradicts our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. Those in power must demonstrate leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive language.
“Immediate action must be taken to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to promote unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.”
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from the fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our current challenges to drive wedges among us.”
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people, united under God.”
