…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has taken aim at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, over his comments regarding the recent phone conversation between United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, and President-elect Bola Tinubu.
Peter Obi’s Call for Mutual Respect in US-Nigeria Relations
In response to Blinken’s conversation with Tinubu, Peter Obi emphasized the need for the United States’ responses to Nigeria’s affairs to be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations, and interests.
He suggested that the US should wait for the resolution of ongoing judicial processes before conferring legitimacy on any party involved.
Keyamo’s Clarity on the Conversation and Criticism of Obi
Festus Keyamo took to Twitter to respond to Peter Obi’s comments, asserting that there is clarity regarding the basis of the phone conversation between Tinubu and Blinken.
Keyamo stated that the United States is aware that, given Nigeria’s complex society, Peter Obi could not have emerged as the winner of the 2023 election, particularly with his message of religious conflict.
He emphasized that the INEC’s declaration of a winner carries legal weight, and Obi’s ongoing petition in court is the appropriate legal framework for further action.
Keyamo Questions Obi’s Approach and Court Case
Keyamo further challenged Peter Obi, questioning whether he intends to hold the country in a state of uncertainty due to his court case.
He reminded Obi of the congratulatory messages he received from across Nigeria and the world when he won his second term as Governor of Anambra State while his opponents were in the Tribunal.
Keyamo also pointed out that a court had recently nullified the nomination of several candidates from Obi’s party, including his own nomination as the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, suggesting that this should be a more pressing concern for him.
In conclusion, Festus Keyamo rebuked Peter Obi for his remarks on the phone conversation between Tinubu and Blinken, asserting that the United States understands the dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape and the outcome of the election.
Keyamo questioned Obi’s motivations and highlighted the potential impact of the court case on his own party’s candidates.