Northern Leaders in Anambra State Back Peter Obi, Dismiss Allegations of Profiling and Mosque Demolition

Leaders of the Hausa and northern communities in Anambra State have come out to refute claims that Peter Obi, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, had profiled them and oversaw the demolition of their mosque during his tenure as governor of the state. According to the leaders, who include Mr. Mahmud Ibrahim, the secretary of the Hausa Community in Onitsha, and Alhaji Garba Haruna, the traditional ruler of the Hausa community in Awka, the allegations are baseless and politically motivated. The leaders stated that they enjoyed a cordial relationship with Obi during his tenure as governor and benefited from his policies, including free education and agric loans. They also noted that Obi sponsored some of their members to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. 'Our relationship with Mr. Peter Obi during his tenure as governor and even now is cordial,' said Ibrahim. 'We want to say that the rumors that he demolished our mosque while he was governor are untrue. The mosque they are making reference to was demolished before Obi became governor in 2006.' The leaders also clarified that the identity cards issued to them were a decision made by the northern community in Anambra State, and not a requirement imposed by Obi's government. 'As for the ANIDS identity card, that one was for everybody, and the governor and his commissioners and everyone in Anambra State had their own,' said Ibrahim. The traditional ruler of the Hausa community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna, also praised Obi's leadership, saying that there were no differences between indigenes and non-indigenes during his tenure. 'Our relationship since then and even now remains cordial,' said Haruna. 'My children benefited from the free education, and I want to tell you that I personally benefited from his sponsorship for Hajj.' The chairman of the northern community in Anambra State, Gidado Sidikki, also expressed his gratitude to Obi, saying that he was a beneficiary of the agric loan scheme and received N10 million, which is equivalent to N100 million today. 'The way they gave to me was the way they gave everybody,' said Sidikki. 'There was no discrimination, and that was how everyone got it.' The leaders have pledged to mobilize northerners residing in Anambra State to vote for Obi in the upcoming election, expressing hope that his candidacy will be successful with the support of his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.