Obi criticizes Labour Party candidate

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the party’s governorship candidate in Benue State, Herman Hembe, for making disparaging remarks about the state’s governor, Samuel Ortom.

According to Track News, Hembe allegedly referred to Governor Samuel Ortom as a liar during a recent party rally in Benue.

Obi, in a tweet-thread on Friday night, apparently in response to that incident, asked his supporters and Labour Party faithful to refrain from name-calling.

“I call on Labour Party faithfuls, especially candidates at all levels, including my supporters, to refrain from calling anyone, groups of people, or religions names,” Obi said.

“Nigeria has enormous problems and is currently on the verge of implosion due to economic hardship and insecurity.” Instead of devolving into name calling, the focus should be on how to deal with the negative consequences of a tanking economy, pervasive insecurity, and the many challenges that the country is facing. Specifically, during our recent campaign in Benue, a candidate referred to Benue State Governor Dr. Samuel Ortom as a “deceit,” which is completely unacceptable to us.

“Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom remains a very patriotic Nigerian who has always spoken for the best interests of his people and Nigeria in general.” We all have flaws; I have mine, and so do others. However, we should not use such derogatory language to describe people.

“We must continue to focus on an issue-based campaign and work together to build a new and better Nigeria.”

“I wish all of our candidates, including myself, the best of luck in the upcoming elections.”