You are here: Home → News → 2023 04 25 → Article 648842

General News of Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Mass killing in Owo endeared me to Nigeria - Guterman says as he reveals reason for supporting Obi

« Prev

Next »

Comments (0)

Listen to Article

The photo used to illustrate the story The photo used to illustrate the story

Jeffrey Guterman, a retired American mental health counselor has pinpointed the incident that has endeared him to Nigeria.

Guterman, who has been vocal in his support of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party noted that the mass killings of Christians at a church in Owo made him grow an interest in Nigeria.

A part of his statement on his official website reads: "On June 5, 2022, I learned of the mass shooting at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo in Ondo State, Nigeria. I was mortified. I saw an image of congregants laying face down in pools of blood that I still cannot get out of my mind and I felt a deep compassion for Nigerians that I continue to experience."

The statement further stated: "After the church attack, I began looking closely at the upcoming presidential election in Nigeria."

Recall that on June 5, 2022, no fewer than 41 persons were killed and 69 others injured when gunmen invaded the church and opened fire on the worshippers who attended Pentecost Sunday.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Revd. Jude Arogundade said that following the incident, the church had remained closed because of the horrific attack, and informed that it will be opened for service on Easter Sunday.

Read Jeffrey Guterman's statement below

I have been asked countless times why I support Peter Obi and why I am interested in Nigeria and its politics. So I have decided to write a brief article explaining all of this. Whenever I am asked these questions, I can now point people to this article.

In 2021, I began listening to and participating in international discussions on Twitter Spaces, an audio conferencing function on Twitter. This gave me an opportunity to expand my experiences and understandings outside of the United States. In particular, I resonated to discussions by Nigerians. I would often be asked and I am still asked why a white man is interested in Nigeria. Soon, Nigerians started attending the discussions that I broadcasted.

On June 5, 2022, I learned of the mass shooting at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo in Ondo State, Nigeria. I was mortified. I saw an image of congregants laying face down in pools of blood that I still cannot get out of my mind and I felt a deep compassion for Nigerians that I continue to experience.

After the church attack, I began looking closely at the upcoming presidential election in Nigeria. I researched the major candidates and it became obvious to me that Peter Obi was the only choice for a better Nigeria. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate for the All Progressives Congress, is a drug lord. Atiku Abubakar, candidate for the People’s Democratic Party, laundered money. In contrast, Peter Obi, candidate for the Labour Party, has an exemplary educational background and he served as Governor of the Anambra State with competence. There are no flies on Peter Obi. He has a positive vision for Nigeria.

When asked my opinion about the Nigerian 2023 presidential election, I would say that Obi was the only choice. And then suddenly it happened. It felt like electricity shooting through my mind and body. I became obidient and I proudly announced on Twitter my allegiance to Peter Obi. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when Obi followed me on Twitter. In early July of 2022, I began hosting online discussions to support the campaign with other supporters of Obi. On August 30, 2022, I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Obi in Houston at his presentation “Active Engagement by Nigeria Diaspora in Capacity Building and Civic Leadership In Nigeria.”

Some people have asked what’s in all of this for me. My interest in Peter Obi has given me something bigger than myself — even bigger than Peter Obi — to believe in. I have developed close relationships with many Nigerians. I have found Nigerians to be among the nicest people. Nigerians are brilliant, creative, beautiful people. Regardless of what happens in the 2023 election, I will always treasure my Nigerian friends.