Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has accused supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, of orchestrating a proposed nationwide protest.
Reports have surfaced indicating that youths plan to stage demonstrations from August 1 to 15 to voice their grievances over the escalating cost of living and economic difficulties facing the nation. Onanuga alleges that the organizers of these protests are the same individuals who took control of the #ENDSARS movement in 2020.
He asserted that those “instigating” the protests are calling for what he termed a “civilian coup.” “Obi must be held accountable for any ensuing chaos. Don’t be misled: the individuals planning this nationwide protest are supporters of Peter Obi, the unsuccessful Labour Party candidate. He bears responsibility for any crisis that results from their actions,” Onanuga stated.
Onanuga further claimed that the protest planners include members who were influenced by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu during the tumultuous ENDSARS protests in October 2020. He noted, “ENDSARS began as a legitimate outcry against the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known for its brutality. However, IPOB members infiltrated the movement and diverted it for their own agenda, leaving lasting damage in places like Lagos.”
According to Onanuga, the same groups, now aligned with the Labour Party and Obi, are responsible for spreading slogans like ‘EndBadGovernance’, ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024.’
He described the planned protests as treasonous. “These are not democrats; they are anarchists attempting to rally the populace through propaganda after their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to secure the presidency in 2023. As sore losers, they lack the patience to wait for the next election in 2027, choosing instead to destabilize Nigeria through a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he asserted.
Onanuga emphasized that seeking to end an elected government constitutes high treason, and he pointed out that calls for revolution align with a coup d’état, which also qualifies as treason.
He mentioned an investigation into one of the protest organizers, who remains unnamed but claims to operate an internet radio station, PTM100.88 Abuja.
Onanuga concluded by highlighting the federal government’s efforts to mitigate economic challenges, citing measures such as raising the minimum wage, providing student loans, and implementing relief programs.
