As the September 16 date for the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to deliver its judgement draws nearer, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, has assured Nigerians in the United States that Peter Obi, the party’s candidate in the February 25 presidential election would soon be declared president of the country.
Also, on Monday, Obi censured those bent on linking him with negative things, urging them to redirect their energy in raising a better Nigeria, because he would not be distracted from doing so.
Abure, who has been on a tour of the United Kingdom and the United States to encourage members of the party and the Obidient Family, said the judgment by the tribunal was expected to come on or before 16th of September, 2023.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Parry, Obiora Ifo, Abure assured Nigerians in the US, while addressing the Obidient Nigerian community in Washington DC, that their candidate would eventually emerge winner of the election.
“Following Peter Obi’s participation in the 2023 general election, we changed the political narratives in Nigeria. We gave them a run for their money. They have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more. They have stolen what is not for them and they will not sleep until we recover it all.
“We are expecting judgment between now and 16th of September. And I am very sure Peter Obi will become President. Without sounding immodest, since they took over, things are now worse.
“The only party and the only candidate that has solutions to the challenges of the country is Labour Party and Peter Obi. And so we still believe that things will change in Nigeria. I want to say that we should not lose hope, we should not be discouraged. The hope is still alive and I am confident that Peter Obi will be president,” he said.
Obi, while reacting to a statement saying that he had bribed Arise Television Journalist, Mr. Rufai Oseni by financially sponsoring the burial of his father, an allegation insinuated by Mr. Reno Omokri, Obi described it as wicked blackmail against the courageous journalist who has been doing his job Professionally.
His words: “Ordinarily, I do not get involved in name-calling and mud-slinging, neither do I attack people nor try to defame their personalities, in the course of my political journey.
“I have also avoided replying to cheap, wicked, or malicious blackmails publicly or openly in the same irresponsible manner they are thrown at me. Anyone who has followed my corporate and political life knows that I always stay on issues, with my focus on finding solutions to societal challenges and ameliorating people’s suffering.”
The former Anambra State governor said he needed to clarify issues especially when a third party is involved and “where my name was mentioned in malicious and cheap blackmail against one of Nigeria’s best Television presenters, Mr. Rufai Oseni, who has stood sternly for what is right and has challenged me fearlessly on some occasions while speaking truth to power.
“Let me state clearly that this is a categorical lie from the pit of hell. Everyone who understands my life will attest to the fact that I do not give anyone money to promote my name. I have never monetarily induced any journalist to speak or write in my favour.”
Obi said that he “always honours Invitations to social events like birthday celebrations or funerals, and this is something people have come to know that I do regularly.
“Countless journalists, media personnel, the less privileged, the wealthy, etc., have all invited me to their occasions, and they will attest to the fact that I honour such invitations, especially when people are grieving. As it is obtainable in Igbo tradition, I always attend such events with some gifts, to support the celebrant.
“I have never been to Rufai’s village. Even at the point of writing this, I do not know where he is from. One then wonders why people could decide to tarnish other people’s image for no justifiable reason. To those involved in such evil endeavours, I wish them well and pray to God to have mercy on them.
“Finally, our focus in Nigeria should be about rescuing the nation from the many challenges plaguing it. We should focus more on lifting people out of poverty.
“Millions of Nigerians do not know where their next meal will come from. We have millions of unemployed youths in their productive age. Finding solutions to these challenges should command our attention, for the progress of our nation – and that is what I remain committed to. PO”
Chuks Okocha
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