By Valentine Amanze
Online Editor
The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has described as malicious, wicked and ungodly, the report in a newspaper (not this newspaper), quoting him as having said that he would fight the Anambra State election with the last drop of his blood.
The ex-governor spoke during the Awka Diocesan Laity Week in Awka.
Obi said that it was malicious, ungodly and wicked of anyone to ascribe such a language to him.
His words: “Those who know me over the years will easily tell you that the statement is antithetical to everything I stand for.’’
Obi however explained that he only encouraged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and supporters to embrace reconciliation and go to the election with everything that they have, especially as one, united family.
‘‘I said the PDP would fight the election the way the PDP had never done before and that it would be the first time PDP conducted only one primary and that the party must reconcile now and go to the election as a united family.
“I emphasized the need for reconciliation by saying that what the PDP needed was reconciliation, reconciliation and reconciliation,’’ he explained.
Recalling his political odyssey, Obi said that he had gone through tough times in politics, including the denial of his victory in 2003, his impeachment in 2006, and the truncating of his tenure in 2007.
He pointed out that in those critical times, even when his followers had different views, that he did not make any statement, asking if it were now he is not contesting that he would make such a statement.
‘‘During my time, I, as Governor, welcomed other opposing parties that came to Anambra to campaign against me. At times, I provided them with logistics. I did that when Mr. Babatunde Fashola came to campaign for Dr. Chris Ngige and when Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu-led the PPA to campaign in the state – all against me, during the electioneering for my second tenure. Even when my people suggested we should place very high tariffs on billboards and posters, I refused, insisting that much as we sell our manifestos to the people, that the election should be prosecuted as one family. During the campaign for Gov. Willie Obiano, whether running around or in whatever I did at that time, we did not do it with the last drop of our blood. All in all, I cannot use such a language even in my dream.”