The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described as unfortunate the claims made by the information minister, Lai Mohammed, accusing him of treason.
In a series of tweets posted via his verified Twitter account on Tuesday, Mr Obi claimed that the ongoing effort from some “high quarters” to depict him in a negative light is completely malicious and fictitious.
“In the past few days, I have observed various campaigns of calumny directed at my person, with the latest being allegations attributed to the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed from Washington DC.
“It is most unfortunate that these consistent efforts to portray me quite contrary to what I am, and my core values, are coming from such high quarters. Minister Lai accusing me of stoking insurrection is totally malicious and fictitious.”
Mr Obi said this in reaction to a recent statement made by Mr Mohammed accusing Mr Obi of inciting people to violence over the outcome of the presidential election, saying it is treasonable.
Mr Mohammed was reported to have made the statement on Tuesday during engagements with journalists in Washington DC in the United States.
During the meetings, the minister said it was wrong for Mr Obi on one breadth to seek redress in court over the outcome of the polls and on another breadth incite people to violence.
Reacting to Mr Mohammed’s statement, the former Anambra governor noted that he had neither discussed nor encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state.
“I have never discussed or encouraged anyone to undermine the Nigerian state; I have never sponsored or preached any action against the Nigerian state. Those initiating these actions have increasingly used their official positions and agents to make false allegations against me.
“I am on record as always, advocating for peace and issue-based campaigns and never campaigned based on ethnicity or religion. I am committed to due process, and presently seeking redress in the Court.”
Mr Obi further urged those in the business of the “demarketing process” to stop presenting Nigeria in a bad light.
“I urge those engaged in this demarketing process to stop presenting Nigeria in such (a) bad light. Our future generations deserve a new Nigeria, where they can live a secure and decent life like their counterparts in other climes. It is possible. PO.”
