By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi never said that ‘no serious leader will go on rest’ being ascribed to him by a section of the media.
This is according to a statement issued by media assistant to the former Anambra governor, Valentine Obienyem, on Tuesday, and made available to METROWATCHXTRA.COM in Abuja.
METROWATCHXTRA.COM recalls that Obi, on Sunday, joined the Muslim community to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr at the Central Mosque in Onitsha, Anambra state.
According to Obienyem, Obi was asked by journalists at the event why he was not taking the holidays to rest and he responded that it was a matter of choice.
“Well, those who need rest should have rest. Those of us who don’t need rest should continue to work,” Obi was quoted as saying.
However, Obi’s statement was purportedly misinterpreted by some sections of the media who reported him as taking a jibe at the President-elect, Bola Tinubu for embarking on vacation abroad after the presidential poll.
“For me, politics is not about the office; it’s about helping to get a better society. If you are in politics because of office, it’s wrong. Politics is about the good of the society. As I am living here, I am going to the hospital to support people in the hospital. That’s what politics is about,” Obi was quoted as saying.
“Well, those who need rest should have rest. Those of us who don’t need rest should continue to work,” the Labour Party Presidential candidate added.
Obienyem said he was unsure where the media organisations that published the quote ascribed to his principal got it from.
“One wonders therefore where the reporter got his quote, or is part of making sure that the former Anambra state Governor is dragged into every controversy to distract attention and remove his focus on the issue and on the mission of rescuing Nigeria,” the media aide explained.
