Presidency fingers Peter Obi in proposed nationwide protest

The Presidency has made allegations that certain individuals associated with Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign are linked to the organization of a planned nationwide protest.

A coalition of Nigerian groups is organizing a nationwide protest, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, to express outrage over the escalating cost of living and the worsening economic conditions in the country.

Bayo Onanuga, an aide to the President, took to Twitter on Saturday morning to imply that Peter Obi would be held accountable if the upcoming protest turns violent.

Onanuga ascertained that these protest organizers were also behind the violent ENDSARS protest in October 2020.

He noted that Lagos is still recovering from the damage caused.

“What started as a peaceful protest against police brutality was taken over by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who wanted to break away from Nigeria”, he tweeted.

According to Onanuga, the same people who supported Obi in 2022 are now spreading messages like “EndBadGovernance,” “Tinubu Must Go,” and “Revolution2024.”

He accused them of wanting to create chaos because their candidate did not win the 2023 election.

Onanuga warned that trying to remove an elected government is treason.

He mentioned an anonymous internet radio host, PTM100.88 Abuja, who has been promoting the protests, and other notable figures like FS Yusuf and Professor Pat Utomi.

He also pointed to social media posts, including a video of a teenager printing protest T-shirts and a retweet by Babatunde Gbadamosi urging people to confront APC members and supporters.

Additionally, he mentioned “General Oluchi,” who has been encouraging people to join the protests through letters and social media posts.

Onanuga called for security agencies to investigate these individuals.

He argued that all countries face economic challenges and that people should wait for elections to voice their complaints, rather than causing unrest.

He underscored the government’s efforts to help with the cost of living, such as raising the minimum wage, giving out student loans, and providing food aid.

He also pointed out that the economy is experiencing a turnaround, with a notable boost in revenue generation.

Onanuga appealed to Nigerians to acknowledge these positive developments and exercise patience, reserving judgment until the 2027 elections.