A National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has asked those using his name to score cheap political points to desist from such.
Onu was reacting to reports quoting him as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari had informed him of his intended actions and why he would not be appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
A statement by his former Chief of Staff, Sunny Onyeukwu, said: “The attention of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has been drawn to a seeming orchestrated campaign originating from the social media to smear his reputation.
“On Saturday, August 28, a facebook broadcast: “SGF: Ogbonnaya Onu and Vainglorious Nigerians”,allegedly at the instance of Ajayi Temitope, was circulated without his knowledge and consent.
“In it, Dr. Onu was falsely credited as having told an unnamed friend of Mr. Temitope that prior to the announcement of the Chief of Staff and SGF, Mr. President told Dr. Onu of his intended action and why he would not be appointed as SGF.
“The broadcast said Dr. Onu expressed regrets that his Abuja residence, which had hitherto become “a mecca of sorts” for those seeking his patronage in anticipation of his appointment as SGF, was deserted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to state in strong terms that Dr. Onu never expressed the views credited to him, as no such conversation took place between him and Mr. President.
“He could not have therefore, communicated a non-existent conversation to another person, more so, an unnamed individual, on telephone. It is false, cheap and utterly in bad faith. Already, Dr. Onu has issued a rebuttal.
“It is hoped that in all circumstances, more so in a democracy, the truth should not be twisted to serve pre-determined ends nor the rights of individuals muzzled to score cheap political points.
“Dr. Onu reaffirms his faith in our democracy as the immutable vehicle of popular choice for a new Nigeria, where, though tribe and tongue may differ, as brothers and sisters, united in the pursuit of a common destiny, we must continue to stand firm, resolute and together.”