By Perez Brisibe

UGHELLI—FORMER presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Patrick Utomi, has denounced his inclusion as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the proposed interim government of the Republic of Biafra, as announced by pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, led by Chief Benjamin Onwuka.

Utomi also condemned the actions of the group for seeking to relate his hard-earned reputation with its interests, stressing that he has always been an advocate of a united, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities, whether it be economic or social on the basis of its diversity.

PAT UTOMI

In a statement yesterday, Utomi said: “I want to register, in the strongest possible terms, that Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, is totally alien to me, even by name, and it is very devious for them to have included my name as a cabinet member of its purported Interim National Government.

“I have never had any link with them, whether in word, speech, thought or in person. It is most uncharitable and unthinkable that BZF would seek to relate my hard-earned reputation with its interests. I completely dissociate myself from this body in every ramification.

“My candid preference has and will always be for a solid, united, stable, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities, whether it be economic or social on the basis of its diversity.

“I do not support a break up of our country in whatever manner, and will advise the proponents of BZF to have a rethink and to set out to work towards building a Nigeria that they will be proud of.”