*BY CHIDI IGWE, AWKA*
Peter Obi, the former Anambra State Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has replied Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai.
El Rufai had in a tweet described Obi as a tribal bigot, recalling how Obi, then Governor of Anambra State stopped him (El Rufai) from moving around the State during the governorship election
Obi who spoke to journalists said he is shocked that such statement could come from El Rufai. He described it as unprovoked.
“What His Excellency, Gov. Nasir Ahmad El Rufai said about me has been brought to my attention. I believe that as we grow older and are saddled with more responsibilities, we are expected to become circumspect in our thinking and avoid recklessness in our speeches and utterances.
“How does the circumstance he referred to relate to bigotry to warrant such a label? All I do for people like El Rufai is to pray for them and encourage them to concentrate on doing those things that will better the lots of Nigerians rather than engage in hate speeches that will divide and destroy the country.”
Obi continued: “At this difficult time in our country, when thousands of our brothers and sisters across ethnic divide are killed all over the country, including innocent citizens in Kaduna state; millions of our children from all the parts of the country are out of school; millions of Nigerian youths from all the parts of the country are without jobs, our pre-occupation, especially among those that are in government should not be making reckless speeches.
“What our leaders should be doing today is seeking solution to numerous problems of our dear country.”
Concerning the claim that he was arrested on the election day in Anambra, Obi said: “I am aware that during the said election he referred to, security agents merely restricted his movement because he has no business being in Anambra as I would not have any being in Kaduna on an election day.”
