Obi Never Victimised Northerners As Anambra Governor – Media Office

The media office of Peter Obi has denied allegations that he targeted Northerners during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement issued by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Ibrahim Umar, the organisation said allegations that Obi repatriated Northerners or victimised Northern traders and beggars were aimed at distorting his record and stirring ethnic division.

The statement explained that Obi’s administration operated a social welfare and rehabilitation programme designed to assist vulnerable persons, including destitute individuals and unaccompanied minors from different parts of the country, rather than carrying out any ethnic-based expulsion.

POMR also maintained that Obi enjoyed cordial relations with Northern and Muslim communities resident in Anambra throughout his eight-year administration.

According to the statement, Obi ensured the protection of Northern communities in areas such as the Hausa quarters in Onitsha and Awka during periods of ethno-religious tension in parts of the country and also supported Muslim faithful through sponsorships for pilgrimages to Mecca.

“The recurring myth that Mr. Obi repatriated Northerners or specifically targeted Northern traders and beggars during his governorship is utterly unfounded,” the statement said.

The media office further stated that Northern traders and livestock dealers operating in markets, including Amansea, conducted their businesses without intimidation or government-backed harassment during Obi’s administration.

POMR accused political opponents of attempting to damage Obi’s relationship with Northern Nigerians because of his advocacy for agricultural development and economic investment in the region.

The group added that Obi had consistently projected Northern Nigeria as a major driver of national economic growth through agriculture and food production.