Peter Obi,a former Anambra State governor says speculations that he sponsored the burial of the father of journalist, Rufai Oseni, are completely false.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the February 25, 2023 election, said the speculations were being cooked up by mischievous characters to gain social mileage and favourable mention.

Obi’s rebuttal is contained in a Statement issued by his Media Office on Monday.

Though, Obi did not categorically mention anybody’s name in the statement, his reaction may not be unconnected to a post made by Reno Omokri, former media aide to president Goodluck Jonathan, last week.

Reno on his twitter page had accused Rufai of working for Obi claiming the latter sponsored the burial ceremony of his(Rufai’s) late father.

In the post, which is accompanied by a picture Obi and Rufai standing side by side, Reno said Rufai was fond of attacking him.

However, in the statement on Monday, Obi expressed disgust at uncharitable actions of persons he described as sponsored blackmailers whom he said were bent on linking him with negative things in a bid to smear his hard-earned reputation.

He asked such persons to discontinue their journey of mudslinging and redirect their energy towards raising a better Nigeria.

Obi said: “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.

“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.”

The former Anambra state governor said it became highly imperative for him debunked the devilish rumour, especially when a third party was involved.

He added that “the case recently where my name was mentioned in malicious and cheap blackmail against one of Nigeria’s best television presenters, Mr. Rufai Oseni, who has stood sternly for what is right and has challenged me fearlessly on some occasions while speaking truth to power.

“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 further explained that he always honours invitations to social events like birthday celebrations or funerals, and this is something people have come to know.

He equally said, “Countless journalists, media personnel, the less privileged, the wealthy, etc., have all invited me to their occasions, and they will attest to the fact that I honour such invitations, especially when people are grieving.

“As it is obtainable in Igbo tradition, I always attend such events with some gifts, to support the celebrant.

“I have never been to Rufai’s village. Even at the point of writing this, I do not know where he is from. One then wonders why people could decide to tarnish other people’s image for no justifiable reason.

“To those involved in such evil endeavours, I wish them well and pray to God to have mercy on them.

“Our focus in Nigeria should be about rescuing the nation from the many challenges plaguing it. We should focus more on lifting people out of poverty.

“Millions of Nigerians do not know where their next meal will come from. We have millions of unemployed youths in their productive age.

“Finding solutions to these challenges should command our attention, for the progress of our nation — and that is what I remain committed to.”