Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex-Igbo group has expressed concern over what they described as a discord between the two noticeable people, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a statement signed by the Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it’s worrisome for Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate and Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti to start having conflict.
The group who noticed the conflict patterns following the absence of Obi to graced and congratulates Governor Alex Otti on his one in office, urged the former Anambra State governor and Otti to set outside their differences and settle the rift.
“The discerning eyes of Nigerians, particularly the Igbo community, have noticed a worrisome situation that may suggest a simmering conflict between the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the incumbent Abia State Governor, Dr. Akex Otti.” Ohanaeze said in a statement.
According to the apex-Igbo group, “It is disheartening to all citizens that Mr. Peter Obi was noticeably absent during the commemoration of Dr. Alex Otti’s first year in office as the Governor of Abia State on May 29, 2024. To everyone’s surprise, Mr. Obi’s name was omitted from the anticipated list of dignitaries who graced the occasion at the State International Conference Centre. Furthermore, the failure of Mr. Obi to publicly congratulate Governor Otti on his first year as the Labour Party’s Elected Governor of Abia State raises concerns about unity within the party.
Ohanaeze said it has patiently observed the conflict between the two.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has patiently observed the unfolding situation, hoping that Mr. Obi would rectify the matter by extending a gracious congratulatory message to Governor Otti during the 25th anniversary celebration of Nigeria’s Democracy on June 12, 2024. Nevertheless, Mr. Obi’s exclusion from state functions, the omission of his name from official lists of dignitaries, and the absence of his images in Abia State’s event materials for both May 29th and June 12 casts a shadow of doubt.
Ohanaeze believe that “The absence of Mr. Obi at state functions and Governor Otti’s failure to involve him in project commissions under the governance of the Labour Party hints at a possible rift between these two notable figures. OHANAEZE Ndigbo Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has voiced concerns over this apparent discord and calls for immediate efforts towards reconciliation.
“We implore Mr. Peter Obi to emulate the unwavering support demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards his party members, emphasizing the necessity for unity among leaders for the advancement of the Igbo community.
“In the event that reconciliation efforts falter, OHANAEZE NDIGBO will not shy away from taking necessary measures to address this unsettling development. It is crucial for both Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti to set aside their differences and work together harmoniously for the betterment of the Igbo people.” The statement concluded.
