The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has said politicians are using politics to sow seeds of discord among Nigerians.
Obi stated this in Onitsha, Anambra State on Sunday, when he visited the Muslim community to celebrate the Sallah holiday.
He noted that Nigerians are one but that once politics come on stream some desperate politicians who want to reap from where they did not sow always bring segregation by wanting to divide the citizens along tribal and religious lines.
The former Anambra State governor donated bags of rice, cartons of noodles and packs of soft drinks to the Muslim community and prayed Allah to accept their fast and sacrifices and grant them good life.
He said, “I am here today to celebrate with you on this year’s occasion. Nigeria is one country. I am one Nigerian who believes in Nigeria, and also that we are one, irrespective of tribe and religion. I have never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion, and I will never do that.
“The only thing that brings division among us is politics. Once it is time for election, some politicians engage in divisive campaigns, but it should not be so. One of my businesses is run by a northerner from Kano, and the business is doing well.
“You all are my brothers, and I am your brother. Today is not for politics but for celebration.
“I came after election because if I came during politics, people would have said it is because I am running to be President.
“No one has supported the Muslim community in Anambra like myself. This mosque was demolished at some point, but when I became governor I rebuilt it the way it is today. We see you as part of us, and I want to assure you that no one can stop you from living here and carrying out your businesses.
