***Says he cannot be blackmailed into conforming with nefarious agenda
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi has raised the Alarm over attempts to blackmail him in to comforting to some nefarious agenda with twisted videos of his past engagements.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga had alleged on July 20, 2024, that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria, linking him to anarchy.
Obi had given Onanuga, a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise for his claim that he was behind the planned nationwide protest.
Obi vowed to file a defamation libel lawsuit if Onanuga failed to apologise.
Writing on his X-handle on Friday, obi clarified that some video circulating on line were previous engagements which were twisted to portray him as declaring a war on Northerners
He also drew the attention of Nigerians to another doctored video showing him to be leading a protest in Abuja insisting that they are all fake news.
“I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas.
“Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State.
“They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
“Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.
“The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation. This kind of misinformation has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.
“This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.
Obi also took exception to threats of genocide against the Igbos on X describing it as another threats against unity.
“Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric. Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God.”