Contrary to reports in the media yesterday that the phone of Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party at the last elections, may have been stolen at the venue of the Election Petition Tribunal, NewsOrient Network reports that the said phone was never stolen.

We learnt that Obi left the phone on a table in the Court to exchange pleasantries with friends and admirers and in order to avoid possible theft, one of his aides picked the phone for safe keeping.

A statement signed by Obi’s aide, Valentine Obienyem Esq, and made available to NewsOrient, confirmed that the said telephone handset was not stolen.

The statement reads in full:

“Thank you for your solidarity

“Yesterday, the news of the loss of Mr. Peter Obi’s phone went viral. The spontaneous outpouring of solidarity was yet again a demonstration of the love of the people for him.

“May I happily inform you that it was not a case of theft. He left the phones on his table to exchange pleasantries with some people in court, whereupon, for safety sake, one of his aides picked the phones.

“Once again, we appreciate your concern.

Valentine Obienyem.”