IMO, Nigeria — Former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, has urged Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to stop what he described as continued attacks on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.
Awuzie also called on Igbo leaders and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to speak out against what he described as attempts by some Igbo politicians to discredit Obi and his record.
The former ASUU president made the call while speaking with journalists in Owerri, reports Vanguard.
Awuzie expressed concern over what he described as the silence or apparent indifference of Igbo leaders to the exchanges involving Obi, Soludo and Umahi.
He specifically appealed to South-East elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Imeobi of the organisation to intervene in the matter.
He said, “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 advised Soludo and Umahi to concentrate on their respective responsibilities, saying attempts to undermine Obi’s record 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.
The former ASUU president also described Obi as the type of leader he believed Nigeria needed 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,” Awuzie said.
He further dismissed suggestions that criticisms from President Bola 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,” he said.
Awuzie 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,” he added.
