Igbo leaders and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo have been urged to speak out against what has been described as continued attacks on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, by some Igbo politicians.
Former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Owerri.
Awuzie specifically urged Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to focus on their respective responsibilities rather than attacking Obi’s record.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the continued silence or apparent indifference of Igbo leaders to the exchanges involving the politicians.
His words: “The patriotic Igbo man is known for speaking out. So, what are our Elders-in-Council in the South-East doing? What about those in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and those in Imeobi of Ohanaeze?
“Why can’t they call Governor Soludo and Engr. Umahi to order? They should tell the duo to leave Obi alone.”
Awuzie advised Soludo and Umahi to concentrate on their public responsibilities, saying attempts to discredit Obi’s record as governor would not succeed.
“There should be a limit to greed, envy and jealousy. They should face governance; govern well and minister well. They can’t be a match to Obi, no matter how they try to rubbish his credibility. Igbo elders should rise and show leadership,” he said.
The former ASUU president further described Obi as the kind of leader he believes Nigeria needs at the present time.
“Obi is a kind of leader Nigeria wants at this point in time. He is a different breed of politician. So, if Nigerians know what is good for them, they should bank on Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.
Awuzie also dismissed suggestions that comments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters could damage Obi’s reputation.
“No matter what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his stooges do or say, they will not succeed in putting a dent on the integrity, character and personality of Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.
He described Obi as a model and said he believed many Nigerians, beyond the South-East, were proud of him.
“Obi is a model and somebody Ndigbo are proud of and I believe that other Nigerians are also proud of him. This is because, wherever he goes across the country, people troop out to welcome him,” Awuzie added.
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