Moses Paul, an aide to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has revealed why some of Obi’s former associates in the banking and business sectors are distancing themselves from him in public.
According to Paul, many of Obi’s colleagues in the corporate world fear potential repercussions from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He made this disclosure during an interview on 90MinutesAfrica with Rudolf Okonkwo.
Recounting a specific incident, Paul described how prominent Nigerian businessmen, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, avoided Obi during a recent event in Kigali, Rwanda.
“There was an occasion when I traveled to Rwanda with Mr. Peter Obi,” Paul explained. “Alhaji Aliko Dangote was in Kigali for a conference alongside many top Nigerian businessmen and bankers. You would not believe that people who were friends with Peter Obi in the banking sector were dodging and avoiding being seen with him because of fear of retribution from the Tinubu government against them or their businesses.”
Paul expressed disappointment, noting that such behavior undermines Nigeria’s democratic ideals and global standing. He added, “It’s shocking that in the 21st century, people are afraid to be seen with an opposition leader because of fear of what the government of the day will do. This shouldn’t be coming from a country like Nigeria, which represents the future of the black race.”
The revelation underscores concerns about the political climate in Nigeria, where fears of political retaliation reportedly influence public and professional relationships.
Comments