From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka (OFR) has dissociated himself from the claims that he led attack team against the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr Peter Obi abroad.
This disclaimer was contained in a press release signed by Comrade Ikechukwu Okafor, Head, Chief Osita Chidoka Media Team dated 31st October, 2022.
The statement reads: “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t glorify an unsigned write-up with a reply but, the reply has to be done considering we are in the period of electioneering campaign for 2023 Presidential Election.
“We don’t know what the author of the piece hopes to achieve but we suspect that he used the good name of Osita Chidoka to give momentum to his nefarious goal of tarnishing Peter Obi’s name. His crude tactics of sharing unprintable and libellous allegations against Peter Obi using the attention-grabbing name of Osita Chidoka should be clear to any discerning reader. The writer’s aim is clear and our response is to expose his carefully disguised evil intention.
“Chief Chidoka, former Corps Marshall of FRSC is a politician known for his outspokenness and regular commentary on national issues. At no time, has he been known for negative rhetoric or mud-slinging. His campaign for the Governorship of Anambra state in 2017 stood out for its positive and issues-based messaging. His digital grassroots mobilisation is now a reference point as Nigerians embrace digital campaigning.
“Chief Chidoka’s robust online campaign and fundraising for the PDP candidate in the 2021 Anambra Governorship election is still fresh in the minds of many as an example of positive messaging.
“The UNLOCK NAIJA exponent does not and will never play politics of bitterness and acrimony.
‘Sadly, the faceless personality behind this ingenious and flagrant denigration of the Labour Presidential candidate through this unsigned enemy action has garnered public attention by using Chidoka’s name as a clickbait.
“We appreciate the concern of friends and well-wishers of Chief Chidoka who have been reaching out to us in his Media Team. Please be rest assured that Chidoka will never descend to such levels in his politics. His engagements are public and guided by his convictions which he publicly espouses.”
Comrade Okafor reminded the general public that the nation is in an election season where all manner of political propaganda is deployed to ridicule and discredit perceived opponents noting that it is incumbent on the people to be discerning and watchful.