‘Leave Obi Alone’ — Ex-ASUU President Prof. Awuzie tells Soludo, Umahi

Stay Connected

Follow Very Nigerian

Get the latest Nigerian news, trending stories and breaking updates directly on WhatsApp.

Join Our Channel →

Former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, has called on Igbo leaders and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to speak out against what he described as continued attacks on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by some Igbo politicians.

Awuzie made the call while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, Imo State, where he specifically urged Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to concentrate on their respective responsibilities rather than criticise Obi’s record.

The former ASUU president also expressed concern over what he described as the silence or apparent indifference of some Igbo leaders to the exchanges involving the politicians.

“The patriotic Igbo man is known for speaking out. So, what are our Elders-in-Council in the South-East doing? What about those in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and those in Imeobi of Ohanaeze?

“Why can’t they call Governor Soludo and Engr. Umahi to order? They should tell the duo to leave Obi alone,” Awuzie said.

He urged Soludo and Umahi to focus on governance and their official responsibilities, arguing that attempts to discredit Obi’s record as governor would not succeed.

“There should be a limit to greed, envy and jealousy. They should face governance; govern well and minister well. They can’t be a match to Obi, no matter how they try to rubbish his credibility. Igbo elders should rise and show leadership,” he said.

Awuzie also expressed his support for Obi, describing him as the type of leader he believes Nigeria needs at the present time.

“Obi is a kind of leader Nigeria wants at this point in time. He is a different breed of politician. So, if Nigerians know what is good for them, they should bank on Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.

The former university lecturers’ union leader further dismissed suggestions that criticisms from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters could damage Obi’s reputation.

“No matter what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his stooges do or say, they will not succeed in putting a dent on the integrity, character and personality of Mr. Peter Obi,” Awuzie said.

He described Obi as a model and said he believed the former Anambra governor enjoyed support beyond the South-East.

“Obi is a model and somebody Ndigbo are proud of and I believe that other Nigerians are also proud of him. This is because, wherever he goes across the country, people troop out to welcome him,” Awuzie added.