Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has denied Reno Omokri’s allegations that he offered bribes to Rufai Oseni of the Arise TV network. In addition to claims that Obi paid for Rufai’s father’s funeral, which further cemented their relationship, Rufai was accused of accepting funds from Obi in order to boost his reputation. Obi, however, refutes these accusations.
Obi vehemently refuted the allegations and emphasized that they were wholly untrue in a post he shared on Twitter on Monday in response to the charges. Obi emphasized that Rufai is a TV host who unafraidly tells the truth, even when it affects him personally.
Obi claimed that he attended Rufai Oseni’s father’s funeral as a guest and didn’t contribute financially to the burial. He reaffirmed his commitment to solving Nigeria’s problems and said he wouldn’t be discouraged by any unsuccessful attempts. Obi published on X, formerly Twitter,
Normally, I avoid engaging in slander and name-calling. In the course of my political career, I also refrain from attacking individuals or attempting to discredit their character. I have also refrained from publicly or privately responding to cheap, evil, or malicious blackmail in the same careless way that it is directed at me. Anyone who has followed my professional and political career knows that I consistently focus on issues, trying to find answers to societal problems and lessen people’s suffering.
“However, there are a few things I need to make clear, especially since a third party is involved. In a recent incident, one of Nigeria’s top television presenters, Mr. Rufai Oseni, who has firmly stood up for what is right and on occasion challenged me boldly while speaking truth to power, was the target of vicious and cheap blackmail in which my name was invoked. I recently came under fire for bribing Mr. Rufai Oseni by paying for the funeral of his father.
“Let me be crystal clear: This is a flat-out lie. The statement is untrue, implausible, and never will be. I don’t pay anyone money to promote my name, as anyone who knows me or has followed my methods can attest.I have never paid a journalist to write or speak favorably about me, and I never will. People are aware that I do attend funerals and birthday parties when I am invited. Numerous journalists, members of the media, people from lower socioeconomic status, the wealthy, etc. have all invited me to their events, and they can all speak to the fact that I always accept invitations, especially when people are in mourning. I’ve never gone to the village of Rufai. I have no idea where he is from even as I write this.
Then, one questions why someone would choose to damage another person’s reputation for no good reason. I wish people engaged in such bad endeavors well and ask God to have mercy on them.
“I continue to believe that saving our beloved Nation from the numerous problems it faces should be our major priority in Nigeria. Lifting people out of poverty should be our main priority. Many Nigerians do not know where they will get their next meal.
With virtually little production taking place in Nigeria to produce jobs, there are millions of young people who are unemployed and in a productive age. Our focus should be on finding answers to these problems in order to advance our beloved country of Nigeria, and that is what I continue to be dedicated to. It’s feasible to create a new, inclusive, and sustainable Nigeria.