The Obidient Movement has dismissed allegations by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that its principal, Peter Obi, supports the break-up of Nigeria, insisting that the former presidential candidate remains committed to the country's unity and inclusive development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement accused Sheriff of avoiding questions about the performance of President Bola Tinubu's administration by introducing issues relating to the Nigerian Civil War and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the group, the former governor failed to provide a direct response to concerns over the country's worsening economic and security situation during his appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.
The Obidient Movement maintained that Obi has consistently advocated policies that promote national unity and economic inclusion across all regions of the country.
It pointed to Obi's support for businesses outside his home region, including investments in agricultural ventures in northern Nigeria during his time as Chairman of Fidelity Bank, as evidence of his belief in a united Nigeria.
The group also said Obi has repeatedly outlined plans to harness the vast agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and create jobs.
Rejecting Sheriff's claim that Obi has failed to denounce IPOB, the movement argued that the former Anambra State governor has consistently called for dialogue, justice and adherence to the rule of law in addressing security challenges and agitations across the country.
It further claimed that IPOB had, on different occasions, criticised Obi because of his position on Nigeria's unity.
The statement accused defenders of the Tinubu administration of resorting to ethnic and historical narratives whenever questions are raised about governance, inflation, insecurity and the rising cost of living.
According to the movement, the country's current challenges require practical solutions rather than political rhetoric designed to distract public attention.
The Obidient Movement also criticised Sheriff personally, questioning his record in public office and arguing that he was not in a position to lecture others on patriotism.
It urged Nigerians to remain focused on issues affecting their welfare, including economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity.
The statement was issued in response to comments made by Sheriff during a television interview on Monday, where he faulted Obi's recent calls for President Bola Tinubu to resign over worsening insecurity and economic difficulties.
The former Borno governor alleged that Obi supports the Biafra cause because he had not publicly condemned IPOB or its separatist agenda, arguing that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must demonstrate an unambiguous commitment to the country's unity.
Sheriff challenged Obi to publicly reject the allegation, insisting that the former Anambra State governor should state clearly that he does not support the division of Nigeria.
The latest exchange follows Obi's repeated criticism of the Tinubu administration in recent weeks, including his calls for the President to step aside over the country's security and economic challenges, as well as concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over alleged off-budget government expenditure.
Leave a Reply