Nobody twisted your statement, Onanuga tackles Obi over diaspora comments

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has faulted the explanation of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, of his remarks about Nigerians living abroad, insisting that his original message was not misrepresented.

Onanuga, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said the former Anambra State Governor had failed to clarify his comments made in Manchester, adding that his latest statement reaffirmed the earlier remarks.

“Mr Peter Obi, you failed to clarify your Manchester callous statement. Nobody twisted your statement. Thank you for affirming it again,” Onanuga wrote.

The former governor had in a post on his X handle on Tuesday accused political opponents of distorting his comments about Nigerians in the diaspora.

Obi said he appreciated Nigerians living abroad for their sacrifices and financial support to relatives at home, noting that their remittances helped families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.

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He maintained that he did not ask Nigerians abroad to abandon their loved ones but expressed concern that millions of citizens depended on relatives overseas to meet their basic needs.

Obi said Nigeria should focus on creating opportunities that would enable citizens to provide for themselves without relying on financial assistance from family members abroad.

“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” Obi wrote.

He added that his comments were intended to encourage the government to create an environment where Nigerians could meet their needs at home.

“Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,” he said.

Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.