‘I believe in Obi’ — ex-defence spokesperson reacts amid backlash over inclusion in LP campaign

John Enenche, a retired major general of the Nigerian Army, has reacted to the backlash over his inclusion as a member of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign.

Enenche, who was director of information of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, had spoken on the controversy generated over the shooting at the Lekki tollgate.

Speaking at a media briefing days after the Lekki tollgate incident in October 2020, he 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”.

On Wednesday, the LP released its list of members for the party’s presidential campaign, and among the over 1,000 members was Enenche.

The inclusion of the former defence spokesman on the list, however, sparked outrage on social media, with many persons questioning why he is a member of the LP presidential campaign team.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Friday, Enenche said his comment at the time was based on available information.

He added that he has known Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed, LP presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, for years and believes in their capabilities.

“Dear Nigerians, I am Major General John Enenche (rtd). Recall I underscored the need for every conscience bound Nigerian, cutting across societal class to joining the current political exercise in the country towards electing credible, competent and capable leaders in 2023. In addition, I enjoined all to speak out and not sit on the fence,” he said.

“Consequently, I made bold to openly and objectively support the candidature of HE Mr Peter Obi and Dr Yusuf Ahmed-Datti without fear or contraction. All based on my knowledge of the duo for about 17 years and 5 years respectively, that they can provide quality leadership for the Nation that will guarantee effective followership. This is what Nigeria needs now to overcome all the numerous challenges imposed on the citizenry in the last two decades.

“I believe that all Obidient Nigerians among others that believe and are working towards a new Nigeria and taking our country back have the same conviction like me. In this regard, I appeal to all in this endeavour to allow us maintain focus to achieve this all important mission.

“Let me state here that a good number of us in this liberation effort have a lot to give and contribute based on knowledge acquired over time in excess of thirty years, that will give solid foundation to Labour Party Government at all levels in Nigeria from 2023.

“Dear country men and women, following my appointment on the campaign council of Labour Party, there were reactions on the social media about my pronouncement concerning a video shot at the scene of the ENDARS incident at Lekki toll gate on 20 October 2020.

“Every one that commented in any way was right based on the information at their disposal and individual analysis. Personally and professionally, I worked with the overriding interest of Nigerians at heart based on the oath of allegiance I swore on commission into military service which is sacrosanct. I sincerely shared in the pains of that breaking news through the social media as it were.

“On this note, I want to assure all that more effort will be put in, so that all assertions can be cleared convincingly from appropriate sources. God bless our cause for the recovery of our dear country Nigeria. Thank you.”