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| Peter Obi |
One Wilson Ijide, whose identity is lost with those who embark on similar hatchet campaigns to recklessly smear the integrity of a man whose only crime is daring the old order to evolve a new Nigeria for the benefit of her citizens and assured future of her teeming youths, came out with the exceedingly ridiculous write-up so referenced in this response. Ordinarily, such disjointed attempt of extreme display of hate and unprecedented falsehood deserve no response from POEM but we live in a vulnerable society where such glaring distortions sometimes gain traction.
The internationally acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie would refer to the danger of such single story - a stereotype, untrue, incomplete and straight-jacket telling - as satisfying only the invectives of an unknown quantity. Besides this, 'Ijide's' lone race in distortions brings to fore the need to return the teaching of history to our schools, otherwise people like him, whether they actually exist or manipulated to have form, would ear-plug themselves, fly high and get lost on wild imaginative compositions without interrogation! But we are POEM, we keep the records straight for our nation's sake!
We will not attempt to correct the very wrong impression of half-truths and unimaginable propaganda by the writer, regarding Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB and his stewardship as a former Nigerian leader, who though erred terribly in the annulment of June 12 but not entirely the monster the writer described by reference to Egypt's Gamal Abdar Nasser. IBB is sound in mind and spirit, and quite capable of responding if the retired general finds it worthy.
But to connect HE Peter Obi to some of the actions leading to that annulment is not a a matter we intend to step aside in any way. The writer's poor sense of fiction writing descended to the abyss with his illogical and ahistorical concoction that the Labour Party presidential candidate was acting behind the scenes as the deputy to Chief Arthur Nzeribe of the notorious group termed Association for Better Nigeria, ABN, another child of perfidy on the IBB/JUNE 12 imbroglio. Again, we see a single story in an attempt to clap with one hand. Now, to the real facts of June 12 impasse as history is not produced in a science laboratory.
In 1993 when IBB and a certain cabal were playing a ludo game with our nation, Peter Gregory Obi was not anywhere near the military, neither with any political contractor nor group, either for nor against IBB. He was not interested in politics and was minding his trading business, took residence outside the country in far away United Kingdom. This much fact was revealed by himself on tape on video in a public conference. We refer readers to this video clip to listen in: https://fb.watch/l9pnMmc-dZ/
POEM does not, in any way, give leanings to ethnic narratives but trying to box PO into that unwilling wall, we will clarify that the leader of the so-called ABN was Abimbola Davies from Chief MKO Abiola's ethnic divide. Arthur Nzeribe was only his deputy. So, even if clandestinely, did Nzeribe appear like one to share his deputy functions with Obi (who Nzeribe would consider a boy then)? Isn't it simply nauseating how some people could sit down, possibly in filthy room and manufacture a single story of vulgar nonsense?
The formation of NADECO was a baby of necessity that had some membership which the jaundiced writer sliced. Slicing that only provided the names of the Yorubas. A clear revelation to this writer's sole intent - to create ethnic loathing. How does one deal with a mind that has been corroded with ethnic jingoism? Present more facts definitely.
NADECO wouldn't have been without the muscle provided by true Igbo indigenes in the likes of Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Alhaji Abdulazeez Ude and so many others. Is this faceless writer not aware or is he conveniently forgetting the ordeal Olisa Agbakoba, SAN went through in the hands of late Gen Sani Abacha while fighting with everything in him to actualize June 12? Is it a hidden knowledge that the USA representative of NADECO and Executive Director is Lloyd Ukwu, an Igbo man who single-handedly provided all the funds and hosting abroad? Again, correcting the dangers of a single story!
At this juncture, it must be emphasised that this nation should remain eternally grateful to Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Afenifere for painstakingly scrutinizing PO, finding him very worthy and firmly stood by him before, during and after February 25. That has been the greatest sacrifice by any pan-ethnic group to banishing the monstrous ethnic politics from our shores.
Typical of those who are afraid of strong illuminations emanating from Obi in our dark democracy firmament, the writer played their usual record devoid of grooves, a worn-out noise about Obi being a killer, a bomber and opportunist making his money through a reward from Abacha in being the "CEO of Tin Can Island Port, thus becoming the chairman of Fidelity Bank at the age of 35". Oh what a poor soul being housed by this writer!
It is time to listen attentively to the attached video. Abacha made PO the chairman of decongesting Tin Can Island Port the first time the late head of state set eyes on the young billionaire. Obi led a group of traders whose containers were seized. Notably, no one dealing in illegal business like drug trafficking would have dared going to Abuja to meet an emperor like Abacha to release his goods. Such a person certainly wouldn't return to the comfort of his home. In that meeting, Peter Obi spoke so convincingly about measures to decongest the ports and surprisingly, the Head of State instantly made him the chairman of the committee. He never knew him before then.
But Obi did not lead the traders to Abacha because he was the most handsome. To be appointed to lead and speak on their behalf, his containers must have worth the most in money or at least close to that. And it wouldn't be a surprise.
While he supported and voted for the late Chief MKO Abiola in 1993, soon after the election he relocated to the United Kingdom with his family where he ran a decent successful business that received encouragement and support from credible finance institutions all over the World because of the integrity and reputation he put in it. Obi was not and is not a man to ever get involved in corrupt enrichment.
If he was such a Nigerian, he wouldn't have saved N75 billion as governor of Anambra State and handed over to his successor, when he had opportunities, like most of his counterparts all over the country, to have stolen all of them. So, claiming that he made his money from his brief stay as chairman of a committee set up by the head of state to decongest the Tin Can Island Port is not only absurd but also clearly shows the poor level of apprehension whoever was hired to write as Wilson Ijide possesses.
PO did not win over 95% of the votes cast in Anambra State because he is from the state. He won so massively because the people tested him for eight good years and found him very sufficiently worthy. Majority of Nigerians voted for him because they studied his past and found a man of very appealing integrity, desirable honesty and admirable competence. All these attempts at distorting such facts with jumbo tales did not work before February 25 and certainly won't work now and even after.
By POEM
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