Utomi dissociates self from Biafra’s promoters

A renowned Political Economist and former Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Prof. Pat Utomi, has denounced his inclusion as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the proposed interim government of the Republic of Biafra as announced by a pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka.

Utomi, who was named last Monday amongst the purported cabinet members of the group, also condemned the actions of the group for seeking to relate his hard-earned reputation with its interests.

In a statement made available on Sunday, Utomi faulted the inclusion of his name on the grounds that the he has built a formidable reputation, insisting that he is an advocate of a united Nigeria.

He said: “I want to register in the strongest possible terms that Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) is totally alien to me, even by name, and it is very devious for them to have included my name as a cabinet member of its purported Interim National Government.

According to him, he has always been an advocate for a united, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities based on its diversity.

“I have never had any link with them, whether in word, speech, thought or in person. It is most uncharitable and unthinkable that BZF would seek to relate my hard-earned reputation with its interests. I completely dissociate myself from this body in every ramification.

“May I use this singular opportunity to make it expressly clear that my candid preference has and will always be for a solid, united, stable, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities, whether it be economic or social on the basis of its diversity.

I do not support a break up of our country in whatever manner, and will advise the proponents of BZF to have a rethink and to set out to work towards building a Nigeria that they will be proud of.”