Tension is mounting over the safety of immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, with his kinsmen warning over the weekend that his successor, Chief Willie Obiano, should be held responsible if anything should happen to Obi or any of his aides.

The tension rose sharply after a media aide to Obiano, Mr. Oliver Okpala, was reported to have threatened to deal with Obi and the man who served him as Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, over alleged uncomplimentary reports about Obiano, which his aides claim were sponsored by Obi and Obaze.

Reacting to Mr. Okpala’s alleged threat, Obi’s kinsmen, under the aegis of Agulu Leaders of Thought, said Sunday in a statement signed by the secretary, Joachim Emegwamuo: “When the news of the threat to the life of our son, Mr. Peter Obi, started circulating, we ignored it as one of those rumours until Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike made it clear during a radio programme.

“We are aware that it was Obi who single-handedly made Obiano governor and we are also aware of several indignities Obi is suffering under the governor, ranging from lack of respect to continued and inexplicable witch-hunt.

“Obiano has deliberately allowed his aides to abuse Obi to the point of openly denying the over N75bn bequeathed to him.

“Obiano has abandoned the projects started by Obi upon which he was elected, thus portraying Obi as an unreliable leader among the Anambra people.

“If anything happens to Mr. Peter Obi or any of his aides, Obiano should be held responsible.”

•Photo shows Ex-Governor Peter Obi.

Update news