Peter Obi breaks silence on bribing Rufai Oseni

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has rubbished allegations that he bribed Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni.

An ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, had claimed Obi financially sponsored the funeral of Oseni’s dad.

In reaction, Obi described it as wicked blackmail against “the courageous journalist who has been doing his job professionally”.

He argued that Oseni has always stood for what is right and has challenged him fearlessly on occasion.

“Ordinarily, I do not get involved in name-calling and mud-slinging, neither do I attack people nor try to defame their personalities, in the course of my political journey,” he said.

“I have also avoided replying to cheap, wicked, or malicious blackmails publicly or openly in the same irresponsible manner they are thrown at me.

“Anyone who has followed my corporate and political life knows that I always stay on issues, with my focus on finding solutions to societal challenges and ameliorating people’s suffering.

“Let me state clearly that this is a categorical lie from the pit of hell. Everyone who understands my life will attest to the fact that I do not give anyone money to promote my name.

“I have never monetarily induced any journalist to speak or write in my favour.”

Obi said he always honours invitations to social events like birthday celebrations or funerals and that people can attest to this.