NEWS FLASH: Peter Obi Talks About Rufai Oseni's Alleged Bribery

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate, has refuted claims that he bought off Rufai Oseni, a Nigerian television host.

According to theglobalnewsupdates, Obi called the accusations "malicious and cheap blackmail" in a statement posted on Twitter.

He said that he has never paid anyone to publicize his name and that he has never paid a journalist to speak or write favorably about him.

Obi said that he was a visitor at Rufai Oseni's father's funeral and did not make any financial contributions to the burial. He declared that he is dedicated to helping Nigeria overcome its problems and that he will not be sidetracked by "evil endeavors."

On X (previously known as Twitter), Obi stated, "Normally, I do not engage in name-calling and mud-slinging. In the course of my political career, I also refrain from attacking individuals or attempting to discredit their character. I have also refrained from publicly or privately responding to cheap, evil, or malicious blackmail in the same careless way that it is directed at me. Anyone who has followed my career in business and politics knows that I am constantly focused on issues, finding answers to societal problems, and lessening human suffering.

"However, there are a few things I need to make clear, especially since a third party is involved. In a recent incident, Mr. Rufai Oseni, one of Nigeria's top television presenters, was the target of a cheap and vicious blackmail campaign in which my name was referenced. Mr. Oseni has a reputation for standing up firmly for what is right and has on occasion challenged me boldly while speaking truth to power. I recently came under fire for bribing Mr. Rufai Oseni by paying for the funeral of his father.

"Let me be crystal clear: This is a flat-out lie. The statement is untrue, implausible, and never will be. I don't pay anyone money to promote my name, as anyone who knows me or has followed my methods would attest.

"I have never paid a journalist to talk or write in my favor, and I would never do so. People are aware that I do attend funerals and birthday parties when I am invited. Numerous journalists, members of the media, people from lower socioeconomic status, the wealthy, etc. have all invited me to their events, and they can all speak to the fact that I always accept invitations, especially when people are in mourning. I've never gone to the village of Rufai. I have no idea where he is from even as I write this.

Then, one questions why someone would choose to damage another person's reputation for no good reason. I wish people engaged in such bad endeavors well and ask God to have mercy on them.

"I continue to believe that saving our beloved Nation from the numerous problems it faces should be our major priority in Nigeria. Lifting people out of poverty should be our main priority. Many Nigerians do not know where they will get their next meal.

In Nigeria, there is very little production taking place to produce jobs, leaving millions of young people in their prime for employment. For the advancement of our beloved country, Nigeria, and that is what I continue to be committed to, finding solutions to these problems should occupy our attention. Nigeria may change to become more inclusive and sustainable.

A former assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan named Reno Omokri leveled the accusations against Obi. Omokri claimed that Obi paid Oseni to assist him bury his father.