By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has cautioned his supporters to watch what they say or write and to be tolerant of others, not converted to his cause.
He rolled out the words of caution in multiple tweets on Sunday.
“I sincerely thank my supporters for believing in me and my commitment to building a united, secure and well-functioning Nigeria.
“However, I appeal once more that we should be tolerant of other people’s views, dissent and divergent opinions & possibly learn from them.
“While the frustration and anger in the country is understandable, we must strive to channel that energy positively in ways that will earn the support and collaboration of others.
“Even as our message continues to gain broad acceptance, there are some we still need to work to convince.
“In expressing ourselves, we should do so with grace so as not to precipitately shut doors to future collaborations on sustainable nation-building.”.
Critics have accused Obi supporters of being overzealous, and often deriding others who do not share their political sentiments.
Their intolerance may have gotten to their principal, making him to issue Sunday’s advice.
Of recent, Obi’s supporters descended with vitriols on Pastor Poju Oyemade, after his tweet on Thursday last week.
Oyemade without mentioning Obi’s name said: “Faith is not just blind belief or hoping for a miracle. Faith sees. Faith has her eyes opened and possesses the evidence upon which it builds its belief. Faith prepares long, sometimes for years just as Joseph did for the years of famine.
“Faith counts the cost before embarking.
“Without having real evidence upon which you are acting nor preparation for the task, recognising real obstacles that lie ahead and making concrete plans, one is just being delusional about the outcome. The enthusiasm of the youth must not be wasted on poorly planned projects.
“Noah spent months/years planning for the flood & he was operating in faith. Jesus said no man goes to battle without taking stock first nor lays the foundation of a tower without counting the cost first lest he will be mocked. Our faith is intelligent it doesn’t live in denial.”
Moments after, Obi supporters accused the pastor of attacking Peter Obi and supporting the APC candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, forcing Oyemade to delete the tweets.