The Peter Obi Media Office has dismissed what it describes as continuous, false, and malicious allegations aimed at misrepresenting Mr. Peter Obi’s governance record as former governor of Anambra State.
The POMR specifically cited what it called false claims about Obi’s interactions with Northern Nigerians during his tenure, saying it is regrettable, but not surprising, that political opponents, unable to confront Obi’s unrivalled record of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and developmental progress, have once again resorted to the outdated and harmful tactics of ethnic and regional division.
According to a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, POMR spokesman, on Sunday, the long-held allegation that Obi deported Northerners or specifically targeted Northern traders and beggars during his governorship is completely false.
“Truthfully, during Obi’s leadership, there was a humanitarian social welfare project in Awka and Onitsha aimed at supporting needy individuals and unaccompanied youngsters from several states who were in dire need. “There was never any form of ‘expulsion’ or ethnic cleansing; instead, a structured social rehabilitation program benefited individuals from all over the country,” the statement read.
It further stated, “In contrast to the harmful narrative being propagated by those peddling discord in the political arena, Mr. Obi’s administration fostered an exceptionally strong, brotherly relationship with the Northern and Muslim communities in Anambra State.”
“Records from his eight-year term show that even during times of substantial national ethno-religious unrest, Mr. Obi acted as a guardian for the Northern population, particularly in areas like the Onitsha Hausa Quarter (Ama Awusa).
“He worked tirelessly to avert retaliation attacks on Anambra territory, winning significant respect from local Northern leaders.
Furthermore, the Obi administration, which has been unfairly maligned, actively supported and financed Muslim residents in Anambra on their pilgrimage to Mecca, ensuring they received the same degree of respect and government backing as the Christian majority.
“Under Obi’s leadership, Northern traders and livestock merchants in markets like Amansea were given safe spaces to operate, free of government-sponsored harassment or extortion.” Anyone willing to fact-check these tales, including those who disagree with the narrative, can verify them. The Hausa-Fulani community in Onitsha and Awka can attest to these realities.
“We understand the objectives behind this ongoing slander campaign; it is linked to Obi’s transformative vision for the North as Nigeria’s primary economic driver. Those attempting to sow division between Mr. Obi and the Northern public are clearly alarmed by his message of national productivity, which seeks to lift those in poverty.
“Mr. Obi has constantly and publicly stated that Nigeria’s future is in the unexplored, lush areas of Northern Nigeria. His ambition is for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-driven to a production-driven economy, transforming the North into Africa’s food hub and agricultural powerhouse.
“It is strange that a leader who sees the North as Nigeria’s most important economic resource is misrepresented as an enemy by those who only interact with the region during election cycles.
“The Peter Obi Media Office will not overlook this, even though the untruth is obvious and the facts speak for themselves. According to Joseph Goebbels, ‘A lie said once stays a lie, but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth.’ This untruth will not stand, since Peter Obi has a vision for the geopolitical North that no other present Nigerian leader can match.