KIDNAP OF MIKEL'S DAD MOST UNPATROTIC, SHAMEFUL – GOV OBI

By NBF News
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Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday descried as most barbaric, unpatriotic and shameful, the abduction of Mr. John Michael Obi, father of Nigerian international footballer, Mikel Obi, last week in Jos.

The governor, who conveyed sympathy to the family of Super Eagles and Chelsea star over the incident, urged the abductors to rethink and release the man from captivity.

In a Press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi said 'the government and people of Anambra State wish to join millions of other concerned Nigerians to express sympathy to the family of Nigeria's international footballer, John Mikel Obi, over the abduction of his beloved father, John Michael Obi, last week in far away Jos, Plateau State.

''It was with great shock that I received news of the abduction and I hasten to condemn the act as most barbaric, unpatriotic and shameful.' The statement further quoted the governor as saying that 'it was inconceivable that the father of someone, who has brought joy to millions of his countrymen through the nation's number one sport, football, or any Nigerian at all, could be kidnapped.'

Such an act, he said, had not only smeared Nigeria's image abroad, but could dampen the morale of other sportsmen and women in representing the country. He, therefore, urged the abductors to have a rethink and release the man unharmed and without delay to members of his family, just as he urged the family to remain steadfast in prayer and continue to believe God that their husband, father and relation would be returned hale and hearty.

'The government and people of Anambra State wish to assure you that they are solidly behind you in this trying moment. The Anambra State Government has been in the forefront of the fight against criminal elements, especially kidnappers, and will continue to assist security agencies in providing a safe environment for its citizenry.'

John Mikel Obi, who plays for London club, Chelsea, is from Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, same local government as Governor Obi.