Ex-defence spokesman: With Obi’s performance as governor, he can tackle insecurity

John Enenche, former defence spokesman, says Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has what it takes to tackle insecurity.

He said this on Tuesday while speaking on ‘Politcal Paradigm’, a programme aired by Channels Television.

Speaking on the LP candidate’s achievements as governor of Anambra, Enenche said Obi provided the necessary support to security agencies to tackle crime at the time.

“As it were then, there was no operation MESA in Onitsha in Anambra state. Criminals and agitators were doing whatever they liked. He made presentations and they approved operation MESA for him and I was operations commander,” Enenche said.

“As it were when he came, the problem was so serious that police were prevented from even doing their work inside Onitsha town. His excellency, Peter Obi, when the operation MESA was permitted, all that we needed was provided.

“If what we did in Anambra state then and what even the police confirmed, yes, it will. I can tell you that he will be in command and control and he will be available 24/7. He will be passionate.”

Enenche’s comment on Obi comes days after the controversy generated over his inclusion in the LP presidential campaign council.

The criticism generated was mostly based on his comment about the October 2020 shooting at the Lekki tollgate during the #EndSARS protests.

Speaking at a media briefing days after the Lekki tollgate incident, Enenche, who was director of information of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) at the time, had described reports of soldiers shooting at the tollgate as “mere allegations”.

Meanwhile, weeks after, a panel of inquiry set up by the Lagos government on the shooting had said protesters were shot at the tollgate in what could be described in the context of a “massacre”.

After the LP released its list of members for the party’s presidential campaign, the inclusion of the former defence spokesperson, however, sparked outrage on social media, with many persons questioning why he was included.

Meanwhile, the LP has said the presidential campaign team list would be reviewed.