Peter Obi, the Labour Party‘s presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, has denied claims that he funded the burial of journalist Rufai Oseni’s father.
Obi clarified this to counter unfounded suggestions that he supported the burial for personal gain.
In a statement from his Media Office on Monday, Obi expressed frustration with malicious attempts by sponsored individuals to associate him with negative situations and damage his reputation.
He urged them to abandon such notions and focus on contributing to a better Nigeria.
Obi said:
“Ordinarily, I do not get involved in name-calling and mud-slinging, neither do I attack people nor try to defame their personalities, in the course of my political journey.
“I have also avoided replying to cheap, wicked, or malicious blackmails publicly or openly in the same irresponsible manner they are thrown at me.
“Anyone who has followed my corporate and political life knows that I always stay on issues, with my focus on finding solutions to societal challenges and ameliorating people’s suffering.”
The former Anambra state governor said he needed to clarify issues, especially when a third party was involved.
He added that “the case recently where my name was mentioned in malicious and cheap blackmail against one of Nigeria’s best television presenters, Mr. Rufai Oseni, who has stood sternly for what is right and has challenged me fearlessly on some occasions while speaking truth to power.
“Let me state clearly that this is a categorical lie from the pit of hell. Everyone who understands my life will attest to the fact that I do not give anyone money to promote my name. I have never monetarily induced any journalist to speak or write in my favour.”
Obi further explained that he always honours invitations to social events like birthday celebrations or funerals, and this is something people have come to know.
He equally said,
“Countless journalists, media personnel, the less privileged, the wealthy, etc., have all invited me to their occasions, and they will attest to the fact that I honour such invitations, especially when people are grieving.
“As it is obtainable in Igbo tradition, I always attend such events with some gifts, to support the celebrant.
“I have never been to Rufai’s village. Even at the point of writing this, I do not know where he is from. One then wonders why people could decide to tarnish other people’s image for no justifiable reason.
“To those involved in such evil endeavours, I wish them well and pray to God to have mercy on them.
“Our focus in Nigeria should be about rescuing the nation from the many challenges plaguing it. We should focus more on lifting people out of poverty.
“Millions of Nigerians do not know where their next meal will come from. We have millions of unemployed youths in their productive age.
“Finding solutions to these challenges should command our attention, for the progress of our nation — and that is what I remain committed to.”