Bayo Onanuga Blames Peter Obi’s Supporters For Nationwide Protests , Calls For Accountability

Bayo Onanuga Blames Peter Obi’s Supporters For Nationwide Protests , Calls For Accountability

As Nigerians prepare for protests over the rising cost of living, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, has accused Peter Obi’s supporters of planning nationwide mayhem and called for Obi to be held accountable for any ensuing chaos.

In a statement released on July 20, Onanuga claimed, “REVEALED: Peter Obi’s supporters are plotting disorder in Nigeria, and Obi should be held responsible for any resulting anarchy.”

He further alleged that those organizing the protests are the same individuals who were influenced by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu during the ENDSARS protests of October 2020, which started as a genuine outcry against police brutality but was allegedly hijacked by IPOB members for their own agenda. Onanuga suggested that Lagos still suffers from the damage caused by these elements.

Onanuga criticized the protesters for their slogans such as ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024,’ labeling them as anarchists rather than democrats. He claimed these hashtags are calls for treason and a coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting their frustration over Obi’s loss in the 2023 presidential election.

He also pointed out various individuals associated with the protest planning, including an anonymous figure operating an internet radio station, PTM100.88 Abuja, who has been promoting the protest and retweeting content related to Obi. Onanuga highlighted disturbing rhetoric from this individual and others, including calls for actions against APC members and criticisms of armed forces’ salary increases.

Onanuga urged security forces to investigate these destabilizing agents and emphasized that economic challenges are a global issue. He defended the Tinubu administration’s efforts, citing increases in the minimum wage, student loans, and agricultural investments, as well as improvements in the economy, inflation, and revenue generation.

He concluded by asserting that those calling for protests should wait until 2027 to vote in a new government, instead of disrupting the country with their current actions.