The media aide to the Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has dismissed claims made by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that he and his wife are godparents to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s children.
The clarification comes after a video of Obi speaking at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ 22nd Biennial National Convention in Enugu went viral on social media.
While speaking at the event, Obi sought to downplay suggestions of a rift between himself and Governor Soludo, insisting that the two politicians share a cordial relationship despite their political differences.
According to Obi:
“People might not know, my wife and I are godparents to Soludo’s children. Yes, we are that close. So we are not quarrelling, and we will never quarrel. If I see him any day, me and him will hug and everything. If they say anything, I’ll answer them.”
The statement quickly attracted widespread attention online, with many Nigerians reacting to the former governor’s remarks and seeking clarification about the relationship between both families.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, Daniel Ezeigwe, media aide to the Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, said Obi’s claim was inaccurate and needed to be corrected.
According to him, the office of the First Lady received numerous enquiries after the video went viral, prompting the need for an official response.
He stated:
“The attention of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has been drawn to a viral video in which the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, claimed that he and his wife are godparents to Soludo’s children.
Following the widespread circulation of the video, we have received several calls and enquiries seeking clarification on the claim.
We hereby state clearly that the claim, as presented, is false.”
The statement further explained the true nature of the relationship between both families.
According to the clarification:
- Dr. Nonye Soludo is the confirmation godmother to Peter Obi’s daughter.
- Margaret Obi, wife of Peter Obi, is the baptismal godmother to one of Governor Soludo’s daughters.
- Peter Obi is not a godfather to any of Governor Soludo’s children.
- Governor Soludo is also not a godfather to any of Peter Obi’s children.
Ezeigwe added that Obi may have simply misspoken during his remarks, but stressed that it was important to correct the public impression created by the viral video.
“It is possible that Mr. Peter Obi simply misspoke in the course of making his remarks. However, given the widespread circulation of the video and the enquiries it has generated, it is important that the record be set straight.”
He maintained that both families enjoy a warm and cordial relationship and that there was no reason to misrepresent the nature of their connection.
“The relationship between the two families is cordial and there is no need to misrepresent it in any manner.
We urge members of the public, the media and all concerned to take note of this clarification and disregard any impression created by the statement that Mr. Peter Obi is godfather to any of Governor Soludo’s children.”
The clarification has since sparked fresh reactions online, with many social media users sharing differing opinions on Obi’s original statement and the subsequent response from the Anambra First Lady’s office.
What are your thoughts on this clarification?
