Former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, has declared that Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, cannot match the political record and standing of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
Awuzie made the assertion while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, Imo State, against the backdrop of criticisms of Obi by the two political figures.
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He urged Soludo and Umahi to concentrate on the responsibilities of their respective offices rather than engaging in exchanges over Obi’s record as a former governor of Anambra.
The former ASUU president also called on Igbo leaders and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to intervene in the matter and caution the politicians against what he described as continued attacks on Obi.
He expressed concern over what he described as the silence of some Igbo leaders on the exchanges, saying the elders should provide direction whenever disagreements arise among prominent politicians from the region.
“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,” he said.
Awuzie urged Soludo and Umahi to focus on governance and their respective mandates, arguing that attempts to discredit Obi’s record would not alter his standing.
“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 expressed support for Obi’s presidential ambition, describing him as the type of leader he believes Nigeria needs 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,” he said.
Awuzie further dismissed the suggestion that criticisms from President Bola Ahmed 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.
He described Obi as a model and said he believed that many Nigerians, both within and outside the South-East, were proud of him.
“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,” Awuzie added.