Follow Tinubu's footsteps, Ohanaeze counsels Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi (left); presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu and their counterpart of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the signing of the second national peace accord in Abuja before the presidential election.

Igbo group Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Friday called the Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in last general election to follow the footsteps of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who always demonstrate commitment to his party members.

Secretary General of Chidi Ibeh led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement said that the call become necessary following their observation of cold war between Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia state and that Obi was not invited during the one anniversary of governor Otti.

He added that despite not being invited, Obi should emulate Mr. President attitude of recognizing both present and past leaders of the his party, adding that such will not only foster progress in the party but unity among members.

He noted that Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to his party members by supporting Governors Fashola and Ambode over the years, and now Governor Babajide Sonwu-Olu.

He urged Obi to embrace unity and strive to mend any differences with Governor Otti for the betterment of the Igbo nation.

“It has come to our attention that Mr. Peter Obi was noticeably absent during the first anniversary celebration of Dr. Alex Otti as Governor of Abia State on May 29, 2024. It is disheartening that Mr. Obi’s name was not included among the distinguished guests expected at the event held at the State International Conference Centre,” Isiguzoro said.

“Furthermore, Mr. Obi has failed to publicly congratulate Governor Otti on his first year in office, marking a concerning lack of support and unity within the Labour Party”.

“We have waited with bated breath to see if Mr. Obi would rectify this situation by extending a warm congratulatory message to Governor Otti during the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy on June 12, 2024 but such did not happened”.

“It is evident that there is a growing divide between Mr. Obi and Governor Otti, as demonstrated by the Governor’s failure to invite Mr. Obi to commission any projects in the State and it has triggered concern over this apparent discord and emphasized the need for reconciliation”.

“In the event that reconciliation efforts fail, OHANAEZE NDIGBO will not hesitate to intervene and impose necessary sanctions to rectify the situation. It is imperative that both Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti set aside their differences for the collective good of the Igbo people.”