Immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to avoid peddling falsehoods, which are injurious to individuals, institutions and society at large – especially in this trying period of the nation’s development. He made this observation today, while interacting with some journalists in Lagos.

Obi was reacting to the allegation that he called on Igbos to ignore Nnamdi Kanu, which purportedly led to former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, accusing him of anti-Igbo moves. This was supposedly at a reception by Eke people at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, in honour of their sons – Mr. Godfrey Onyema, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria.

Clarifying issues, Obi noted that Ekwueme is a highly-respected elder statesman whom he regards as a father who can offer advice or rebuke him, if need be. He, however, stressed that at the occasion in question, neither he nor Ekwueme spoke during the event or to the press.

Wondering where and when Ekwueme was supposed to have rebuked him, Obi was clear on their interaction at Nike Lake Hotel. He said: “As soon as I entered the venue, I went to greet Dr. Alex Ekwueme. At the end of the event, I saw him and his wife to their car before they left.”

Obi revealed that though such falsehoods were not unusual, “this one is painful because it is disrespectful and an abomination in Igboland to ridicule such an eminent elder for cloudy political reasons.” “In retirement after serving his country and society, we should accord him respect and seek his wisdom and counsel to improve our lives and help to move Nigeria forward – rather than subjecting him to opprobrium,” he added.

On the state of the nation, the former two-term Governor added his weight to the call for the restructuring of the Federation through the implementation of the resolutions of the highly-acclaimed 2014 National Conference. This, he contended, will go a long way in easing increasing agitation across the country as every geo-political zone is afforded a sense of belonging and opportunity to develop at their own pace.

Thanking Eke people for honouring their two sons, Obi urged the governments and people of the South East to harness and harmonise their efforts for the good of the zone in particular and the country at large.

•Photo shows Ex-Governor Peter Obi.