HALLMARK NEWS
Supporters of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, have berated Arthur Eze, Anambra billionaire, for asking him to step down from the presidential contest.
Eze had on Monday, said he warned Obi not to run for the highest political office in the country, noting he had told him he would not win, hence he would not support him.
The Anambra-born billionaire said this during the 2022 Ofala festival of His Royal Highness Igwe Robert Eze, the traditional ruler of Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of the state.
He said, “I warned Peter Obi to withdraw from this race but he would not listen. I told him plainly that I am not part of his plans. I told him to drop his ambition, and wait for next time.
“When he told me about his ambition, I asked him the states he thinks he can win in the west and in the north – he told me; but I was not convinced. I told him he cannot not win; so that he would not waste his time and money.”
Pointing at Governor Soludo, Eze, continued: “This is the person we are tipping to take over as Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in the time to come. We have a presidential candidate that we are supporting now. After his tenure, he will hand over to Soludo as president.”
However, many have taken exception to the remarks, reminding Eze that he has only one vote and is entitled to his personal opinion.
A women’s group, Umuada Igbonine Home and Abroad, whose members were present at the occasion, expressed shock at Prince Eze’s comment, describing it as one made under an influence.
The group, which spoke to newsmen through one of its leaders, Dr (Mrs) Ndidiamaka Ojukwu, said she was surprised that Eze would make such a remark concerning Obi.
“Prince Arthur Eze that I used to know does not speak carelessly. Though, one is not surprised because, his younger brother is in the race, under another party platform. If he would support another party, his brother will be affected negatively. I believe, and believe strongly that Anambra, Igbo and well meaning Nigerians, irrespective of state of origin or religion, will support Peter Obi to the fullest.”
Also, a traditional ruler from one of the communities in Anambra Central Senatorial District, who would prefer not to be named, described Eze’s anti Obi comment as a very bad omen for the image of the business mogul, and the image of Igbo people.
“You see, this is why people say that Igbo people are not united or that Igbo people hate themselves. When prominent Nigerians from various tribes and religions are supporting Peter Obi and Labour Party, why should this man talk this way in the public about Obi.
“Anyway, he is entitled to his personal opinion. His opinion does not reflect the sensibilities of Dunukofia people – it is not the opinion of Anambra or Igbo people,” she posited.
Also Diran Onifade, spokesperson for Peter Obi, described Eze’s comments as unfortunate but not unexpected.
