The Peter Obi Media Office has refuted what it characterized as a distorted interpretation being attributed to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi's address to Nigerians residing in Europe.
The media office stated that individuals disseminating the video had extracted segments from his statement while disregarding the complete context and edited it to align with their objectives.
It clarified that Peter Obi's remarks were never designed to encourage Nigerians abroad to forsake their parents, siblings, or other family members in Nigeria, emphasizing that such an interpretation could not be more inaccurate.
A statement issued by Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR Spokesman, emphasized that the NDC candidate acknowledged the continuous sacrifices undertaken by Nigerians in the diaspora to finance educational expenses, address medical costs, provide sustenance for their families, and support relatives experiencing hardship.
He stated that the fundamental objective of Obi's message was that Nigeria must operate effectively once more.
"A nation possessing such considerable human and natural resources ought not compel millions of its inhabitants to depend on overseas relatives for basic necessities," POMR stated.
"Nigerians deserve access to adequate employment opportunities, reasonably priced healthcare services, superior educational institutions for their offspring, and a respectable quality of life without requiring continuous requests to family members abroad," he said.
It noted that Peter Obi's objective was to establish a Nigeria that serves all citizens—a nation in which remittances from the diaspora facilitate national advancement rather than constituting a requirement for family survival.
"He is not requesting that Nigerians abroad discontinue assisting their families. Instead, he is promoting a Nigeria in which their families will no longer require their assistance to endure.
"This represents the difference between treating poverty's manifestations and addressing its fundamental sources. A New Nigeria is Possible and will be OK," he added.
'Obi didn't ask Nigerians abroad to stop helping families, friends at home' - Spokeman, Zekeri