The media office of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has dismissed allegations that he targeted or expelled Northerners during his administration.
In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, and made available to our correspondent in Onitsha, the office described the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
According to the statement, critics are attempting to stir ethnic and regional sentiments by misrepresenting Obi’s record while serving as Governor.
The media office clarified that Obi’s administration only implemented a social welfare and rehabilitation programme designed to assist vulnerable individuals, including destitute persons and unaccompanied minors from different parts of the country living in cities such as Awka and Onitsha.
The statement stressed that there was never any policy aimed at expelling Northerners or targeting any ethnic group.
“There was no form of ethnic cleansing or forced removal. The initiative was purely a structured social rehabilitation programme that supported vulnerable citizens from across Nigeria,” the statement said.
The office further noted that Obi maintained peaceful and cordial relationships with Northern and Muslim communities throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State.
It added that during periods of ethnic and religious tension in Nigeria, Obi ensured the safety of Northerners residing in areas such as the Onitsha Hausa community, also known as Ama Awusa.
The statement concluded that the allegations against Obi are baseless and intended to damage his reputation ahead of future political developments.
