The Obidient Movement in Imo State has dismissed speculations linking its Principal, Mr. Peter Obi, to the recent visit of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the state, describing the reports as mischievous distortions of fact.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Anukanti Vigilius Chukwuka, the group said the event El-Rufai attended in Owerri was not a political rally but the Odenigbo Lecture, a yearly cultural and intellectual gathering organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, which is open to dignitaries across the country.
According to the statement, El-Rufai was also hosted to a private dinner by Hon. Nnaemeka Madagwu, a former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and former appointee of El-Rufai during his tenure as FCT Minister.
“Peter Obi was not even at this year’s lecture, though he had attended previous editions as Governor. Mischief makers are dragging his name into the matter, claiming he invited El-Rufai to Imo, which is completely false,” the group stated.
It clarified further that Obi only honoured a dinner invitation in the Igbo spirit of goodwill, stressing that the former Anambra governor remains committed to building a new Nigeria alongside all well-meaning citizens.
“Our Principal is desirous to create a new Nigeria, that is POssible, and is willing to do it with all well-meaning Nigerians,” Chukwuka declared.
