Former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, has asked Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to stop their alleged attacks on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
Awuzie, who spoke with journalists in Owerri, Imo State, also challenged Igbo leaders and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to intervene in the disagreement and provide what he described as necessary leadership.
He accused some Igbo politicians of engaging in what he considered persistent attempts to undermine Obi, urging traditional and political leaders in the South-East to speak out.
According to him, the silence of Igbo elders over the exchanges between Obi and some of his political critics was worrisome.
“The patriotic Igbo man is known for speaking out. So, what are our Elders-in-Council in the South-East doing? What about those in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and those in Imeobi of Ohanaeze?
“Why can’t they call Governor Soludo and Engr. Umahi to order? They should tell the duo to leave Obi alone,” he said.
Awuzie advised Soludo and Umahi to devote their attention to their respective offices instead of questioning Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.
“There should be a limit to greed, envy and jealousy. They should face governance; govern well and minister well. They can’t be a match to Obi, no matter how they try to rubbish his credibility. Igbo elders should rise and show leadership,” he said.
He said Obi remained, in his view, a politician with qualities needed to address Nigeria’s current challenges.
“Obi is a kind of leader Nigeria wants at this point in time. He is a different breed of politician. So, if Nigerians know what is good for them, they should bank on Mr Peter Obi,” Awuzie said.
The former ASUU president also rejected the suggestion that criticisms from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters could diminish Obi’s standing among Nigerians.
“No matter what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his stooges do or say, they will not succeed in putting a dent on the integrity, character and personality of Mr Peter Obi,” he said.
Awuzie further described Obi as a model who, according to him, commands admiration beyond the South-East.
“Obi is a model and somebody Ndigbo are proud of and I believe that other Nigerians are also proud of him. This is because, wherever he goes across the country, people troop out to welcome him,” he added.
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