The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged his ‘Obidient’ supporters to remain calm amidst ‘vexatious fighting words from those long regarded as civic leaders.
Obi’s comment comes amidst Prof. Wole Soyinka’s description of his supporters as fascists.
Noting that the Labour Party was sowing seeds of fascism and generating a climate of fear, Soyinka had asked the Obidients to refrain from attacking and embrace fair hearing in situations of conflict.
He said, “It would appear that a record discharge of toxic sludge from our notorious smut factory is currently clogging the streets and sewers of the Republic of Liars.
“It goes to prove the point that provoked the avalanche EXACTLY! The seeds of incipient fascism in the political arena have evidently matured. A climate of fear is being generated.
“The refusal to entertain corrective criticism, even differing perspectives of the same position has become a badge of honour and certificate of commitment.
“What is at stake, ultimately is – Truth, and at a most elementary level of social regulation: when you are party to a conflict, you do not attempt to intimidate the arbiter;
“…attempt to dictate the outcome, or impugn, without credible cause, his or her neutrality even before hearing has commenced. That is a ground rule of just proceeding. Short of this, Truth remains permanently elusive.
“The ensuing cacophony has been truly bewildering. It strikes me as a possible ploy to smother recent provocations by other, far more trenchant issues, such as revelations of declarations of a religious war.
“If so, let it be known that I have long declared war against religious fundamentalism, the nature of which justifies the butchery, kidnapping and enslavement of students in the name of religion,” Soyinka stated.
Recall that Soyinka, on Wednesday, described as unbecoming and unacceptable, the remarks by the vice-presidential candidate of the LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed, saying they contained “fascistic language.”
Peter Obi Reacts
Speaking via his official twitter handle on Monday, the former Anambra governor said he and Datti Baba-Ahmed, his running mate, were mindful that his supporters had suffered vituperations, physical attacks, loss of rights and privileges, including hateful trolls, indignities and vexatious fighting words.
Obi noted that even those they had long regarded as civic leaders and the conscience of the nation joined in attacking his supporters.
He also urged them to bear attacks as necessary sacrifices they would make to create a new Nigeria.
While urging the ‘Obidients’ not to relent or be lured into unnecessary conflicts, Obi assured his team remains fully structured, focused and steadfast in addressing the ills in the country.
The former Anambra State governor added that he and Baba-Ahmed would use all lawful and peaceful means allowed under laws and constitution to reclaim their mandate to create a new Nigeria.
Part of his statement read, “My Obidients, a very happy Holy Month of Easter and Ramadan to you all. As we celebrate the Easter and look forward to a joyous Eid El Fitr, we pray for God Almighty’s guidance, protection and blessings as we face and pass through a litany of challenges in our dear country, Nigeria- flawed electoral processes, insecurity, weak institutions, multidimensional poverty, unemployment, inflation, lack of justice, fairness, equity, opportunities and many more.
“As we reflect on these challenges and look forward to a New Nigeria that is POssible, Datti and I are painfully mindful that for the mere reason of being OBIdient, most of you have suffered vituperations, physical attacks, loss of rights and privileges, hateful trolls, indignities and vexatious fighting words, even from some of those we long regarded as civic leaders and conscience of our nation. Please bear such attacks as the sacrifices that we are all required to make in order to create a New Nigeria, where justice, equity, fairness, love and prosperity shall reign.”
My Obidients, a very happy Holy Month of Easter and Ramadan to you all. As we celebrate the Easter and look forward to a joyous Eid El Fitr, we pray for God Almighty's guidance, protection and blessings as we face and pass through litany of challenges in our dear country,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) April 10, 2023
Obi’s jibe at the Nobel Laurette has since generated reactions from his supporters on Twitter.
See some reactions below:
A message to his respected Elder Brother Wole. ???? https://t.co/QW3Xtvu0Qz
— Mr Taiwo (@tsylars) April 10, 2023
Wole Soyinka and Co. https://t.co/MJW6FpYKui
— Chimaobi (@Chimaobibanks) April 10, 2023
With this tweet, the day Peter Obi will remember Wole Soyinka with his signature salutation, "My senior brother", if he continues to attack Obi-dients, anything you people see, you take. My hand no dey https://t.co/usT8wXy3U7
— Frank Opara (@fopara03) April 10, 2023
Lol. The man is throwing a tantrum. Trying to play victims while at the same time encouraging the mob. You can never be president of this country, Peter. https://t.co/cUpe4S1zGh
— Olúwaṣeun (@Seun731) April 10, 2023
Wole Soyinka come and take your sub. https://t.co/X1NNTeJIVV
— ???????????????????? (@main_JESSE_) April 10, 2023
Honestly even from those we long regarded as civil leaders and conscience of our nation.. Indeed this period have expose all of them. That they ain't what the painted to be. https://t.co/bhCOgirrMu
— IBIE'S???? (@eazy_ibies) April 10, 2023
It's so unfortunate but we thank God for the light that shine on those we long seen as "freedom fighter", for we know who they truly are now. https://t.co/FDj4p9EBq8
— TemiTope (@Oladosutope) April 10, 2023
Ancestor Wole Soyinka and Prof Sagay come and collect ur subs. https://t.co/Ou2gvqxS8z
— TAKE BACK LAGOS WITH GRV (@GRVlagos2023) April 10, 2023
Lmao, Peter Obi subbing Soyinka. https://t.co/XriCsD95eu
— Afọlábí (@Ahfo__) April 10, 2023
Where is Wole Soyinka? Let him come and collect his sub real quick. Peter Obi takes no prisoners. We no dey stan nonsense. https://t.co/MAFdEusNOq
— Aku-N’esi-Obi-Ike (I) (@Orji_Okosisi1) April 10, 2023
