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Published on 2024-04-19 16:03:27
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised an alarm about a plot by powerful political interests to blackmail Obi with accusations of playing religious politics. Tanko revealed that these powerful politicians have recruited individuals under the guise of civil society and non-governmental organizations to carry out this malicious plot.
Tanko emphasized that the blackmailers aim to tarnish Obi’s reputation for supporting underprivileged Nigerians. He highlighted that the intention is to distort Obi’s genuine motives in assisting underprivileged individuals of all faiths by falsely claiming that his charitable activities are a form of political campaigning during off-seasons.
In a statement issued in Onitsha, Anambra state, Tanko expressed his concern over the orchestrated plot to undermine Obi’s charitable work, which predates his involvement in politics. He reiterated Obi’s understanding of Nigeria as a secular state and emphasized the importance of the constitutional principle of separation of church/mosque and state.
Tanko affirmed that Obi remains steadfast in his commitment to his philanthropic endeavors and will not be swayed by attempts to manipulate his actions for political gain. He emphasized that Obi’s charity work is a personal calling that he believes is bestowed upon him by a higher power.
Furthermore, Tanko addressed previous allegations made by former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, regarding Obi’s interactions with the Muslim community. Omokri had claimed that Obi sought to gain support from Muslims through visits to mosques during Ramadan in 2024. He urged Obi to publicly acknowledge any past instances of weaponizing religion for political purposes during the 2023 general election.
Tanko refuted the notion that Muslims in Nigeria would not vote for Obi unless he renounced any alleged plans to incite religious conflict. He stood by Obi’s integrity and reiterated that his actions are driven by a genuine desire to assist those in need, regardless of their religious affiliations.
In conclusion, Tanko’s statements shed light on the insidious motives behind the attempts to smear Obi’s reputation with false accusations of religious politics. Despite facing unwarranted attacks from vested political interests, Obi remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the underprivileged and upholding the values of charity and compassion.
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