by Ranti Joseph
Remember the Dallas, Texas based cardiologist, Abraham Ariyo, who allegedly called for the killing of Igbos in Lagos? He has come out to say the allegation is nothing but false.
According to him, the statement was generated by computer fabricators, manipulated and bandaged to create havoc.
“Our investigations indicate that this horrible story was cooked, seasoned and delivered to get back at me for my sympathy for the Oba of Lagos during the recently concluded, highly contested Lagos State gubernatorial election.
“At the peak of the debate, there were heated exchanges and at the heat of the moment, statements were made from both sides that could be misconstrued. The subsequent distortion by these sophisticated fabricators is causing significant injustice to us all.
“To all the people affected by the original debate or subsequent computer distortions, I hereby apologize. No matter what, these stories are offensive and highly regrettable,” he said.
Ariyo condemned any act of killings and violence stating that he is no Igbo hater and has had close encounter with Igbos all his life.
“I am Yoruba, but I have worked closely with Igbos all my life without any problem. It came as a shock to me and my Igbo colleagues, that I was being labelled as an Igbo hater.
“My only true statement regarding the Oba of Lagos was taken out of context on completely unrelated issue and bandaged together to create this horrendous story.
“Nigeria is my country and I am proud of her. She gave me a lot and I intend to continue to give back. I will not let some people create a wedge between me and this country that I love. I believe my only sin was the support that I gave to the Oba of Lagos.
“As a son of a monarch myself, I have utmost respect for our native rulers. Thus, the position that I took during the debate leading to the highly spirited Lagos State gubernatorial election might have offended some people. For me, this is a lot of price to pay when I am not even a politician. It also shows how far people will go for payback,” he explained.
