I never described Obi, Labour Party supporters as saboteurs- Ihedioha

By Tunde Opalana

Former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has denied ever calling the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi or supporters of the party saboteurs.

As a democrat, the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives said he is a respecter of diverse opinions and choices of either political party or candidates by others.

He expressed surprise that a well-intended speech he made at a public occasion could be misconstrued while stressing that he has no grudge against anyone associating with Obi and his Labour Party.

Ihedioha refuted a spurious allegation against him through his media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to the Daily Times, Ihedioha’s statement in Ghana was misrepresented.

The statement reads: “Few days ago, His Excellency CON, on the invitation of his kinsmen, was in Accra, Ghana to celebrate this year’s Iri Ji festival with the Mbaise community in that country.

“As a founding member and one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he seized first opportunity of that visit to address PDP issues nationally but particularly in Imo State and assuage the anxiety of the members his party who have been apprehensive of the developments within the party.

“In doing so, he decried what at best is the insouciant attitude and worse, the outright sabotage of some acclaimed party leaders who are engaging in acts that are inimical to the success of the PDP, especially in the Southeast by working in cahoots with the other parties. He was only talking about members of his own political party.

“For clarity purposes, His Excellency, neither referred to members of any other political party, especially the Labour Party as saboteurs. He only spoke in the context of the PDP and the emphasis was on the need for members of his party to remain consistent and committed.

“It is inconceivable that he will refer to anybody who is supporting Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, his longtime friend, with whom he shares close political affinity and has utmost respect for, as a saboteur.

“It is unfortunate that his well-intentioned speech which addressed the specific issue of happenings within his own political party was, again, manipulated by fifth columnists to suit their mischievous scheme of bringing him on a collision with Mr. Peter Obi, whose unwavering political philosophy of “Taking Back Nigeria” from the draconian stranglehold of the failed ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, he wholeheartedly shares.

“His Excellency respects the aspirations and passion of members of other political parties, even as he remains committed to the cause of his own political party and it is not in his character to cast aspersions on those who hold contrary political opinion.”