“We follow the news, and we are not pleased with the many negative stories people tell about Obi’s relationship with the North. We here are not only close to Obi, but we have remained the consistent beneficiaries of his benevolence. So we can say, authoritatively, that the stories making the rounds online, that Peter Obi does not care for Northerners, are false.”
These were the exact words of the Muslim Community in Anambra State, with which they debunked the negative slurs being cast on the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, testifying how he not only showcased an unwavering support to the community, but proved himself as a true and detribalised Nigerian who does not segregate against tribe, religion or ethnicity.
Expressing their experience with Obi, from his days as the Governor of Anambra State till date, Mahmoud Imam, Secretary of the Muslim Community in Anambra, said the community was full of displeasure with what he described as unnecessary lies and propaganda against the person of the former governor, adding that Muslim faithful, who were directly associated with him over the years, were completely unhappy with the attempt by some people to dress him in religious and ethnic garb.
Imam, who spoke at the Central Mosque, Onitsha, where Obi went to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with them, said Obi stood out among those who had continued to give them support in the many challenges they have been through as a people in the state, including not only enhancing their religious obligations, but ensuring their protection in times of trouble.
Hear him: “When our mosque was burnt down, he quickly rebuilt it for us, and made it even better. During the crisis that erupted in the state in 2006, Obi ensured that no Hausa man was hurt. He gave us maximum security in the barracks. Throughout his eight years as a Governor, he would invite us to the Government House every year during Sallah celebration, eat and celebrate with us. This time around, he decided to visit and celebrate with us in the mosque.
“Many of our people here, not less than 150, were sponsored by Peter Obi to Mecca for pilgrimage over the years. We equally watched his movements during the campaign, how he toured the Northern part of Nigeria and visited places no one expected. We are happy with our relationship with him and with the North. He is a true Nigerian.”
Obi, who appreciated the Muslim Community for welcoming him, explained that his visit to the community was to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri with them as he had always done, promising to continue to support the Muslims in the state and any part of the country, in any way he could.
Reiterating the need for Nigerians to love and appreciate one another, Obi stated that every Nigerian should be free to live and thrive in any part of the country without intimidation or harassment.
“I am a Nigerian who believes in Nigeria. My ADC when I was Governor, Idris, is a Northerner from Kano State, and he is a good man. I have never discriminated against anyone based on religion or tribe, and I will never do that. I want the whole nation to hold me accountable on this. I will never discriminate against anybody. I will continue to support you especially in areas of education, health and your worship. Please disregard anyone who tells you that I do not like the Northerners. I love every Nigerian,” Obi said.
The former governor later presented 30 cartons of noodles, 30 cartons of Malt, bags of rice and cash gift of N500,000 to the community, at the event where the Chief Imam of Central Mosque, Onitsha, Alhaji Abdulrahman Hamza Imam, in appreciation not only praised him for his benevolence, but prayed Allah to continue to protect, bless and guide him always.
