Supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate under the aegis of TBN Global Leadership have raised alarm over an alleged attempt by a federal government agency to stifle its crowd funding initiatives by blocking its account.
The group said it was notified by Keystone Bank where it’s account is domiciled that the account has been blocked based on an order from the government. This was contained in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Danjuma Garba Musa, made available to Vanguard on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
The statement read in part, “We see this development as an act of political persecution, suppression and intimidation form the powers that be to stop this youth driven grassroots movement from carrying out activities protected by the constitution.
“TBN is a socio-political movement and a non-governmental organization made up of well-meaning, patriotic Nigerians, actively engaged in promoting good governance and democratic ideals in Nigeria.
“It is our core value to support competent and credible candidates during elections leveraging the energy of youths who will determine electoral outcomes at all levels irrespective of a political party.
“Against the 2023 General Elections, TBN Global Leadership has endorsed Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed of the Labour Party as the most credible and competent candidates.
“TBN has Publicity solicited and equally received donations for the sole purpose of funding grassroots activities to support the ObiDatti Presidential campaign activities.”
The group further said, “We categorically state that blocking our account or any manner of repression will in no way stop us from supporting the ObiDatti 2023 mandate.”
The Obi-Datti support group is apealling to relevant authorities to reconsider the sanction while urging donors to bear with the organisation as efforts were on to seek redress in order to unblock the said account. It is however unclear whether the group is seeking legal redress.
Source: Vanguard
