A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Ogbonaya Onu yesterday distanced himself from a social media broadcast saying that President Muhammadu Buhari had told him earlier that he would not be appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and reasons why.
In a statement by his media aide in Abuja, Mr. Sunny Onyeukwu said that the broadcast also contained that Onu’s residence had become “a mecca of sorts” for those seeking patronage from him in anticipation of his appointment as SGF and lamented that soon after the announcement was made without his being appointed to serve in the exalted capacity, his residence became deserted.
The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, it has become important to state in strong terms that Dr. Onu never expressed the views credited to him in the Facebook broadcast as no such conversation ever took place between him and our respected Mr. President.
“He could not have, therefore, communicated a nonexistent conversation to another person, more so an unnamed individual on telephone. Accordingly, it is false, cheap and utterly in bad faith. Already, Dr. Onu has personally issued a rebuttal on the matter which has been circulated in the social media in a Press Statement dated August 30, 2015.
“However, it has become necessary to issue the foregoing clarification in view of ongoing efforts in some sections of the print and electronic media to further allude to the same phony Facebook broadcast without verifying the proof of its authenticity.
“Needless to add that such is capable of misleading the general public and by implication, injure the well-known integrity and honour which Dr. Onu holds sacred and guards jealously”.
It said that as one of the founding fathers of APC it is his conviction that nothing should be done to injure the rights of citizens to free speech, especially in a democracy.
“However, in the exercise of such rights, care and respect must be observed to ensure that it is done within the ambit of the law, guided by respect for the truth, good conscience and sincerity of purpose.
“It is hoped that in all circumstances, more so in a democracy, the truth should not be twisted to serve pre-determined ends nor should the rights of individuals be muzzled to score cheap political points.
“Finally, 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, “it said.
