Supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, yesterday criticised the call for his arrest by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga had accused Obi and his supporters of plotting violence in the guise of protests of the poor state of the nation. But Obi’s supporters, mostly online, via social media networks, faulted these claims as “reckless, divisive and unfounded.”
They also denounced Onanuga’s ethnic and bigoted rhetoric, accusing him of “attempting to divide and distract Nigerians by stoking ethnic sentiments.”
Over the weekend, Onanuga alleged that Obi and his followers were planning a violent protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and called on security agencies to arrest Obi for questioning.
National coordinator of the New Nigeria Now group (Obi supporters), Dr. Moses Paul urged President Bola Tinubu to caution his media aide against using threats and inflammatory language against respected and peaceful leaders and citizens.
“It is crucial to reiterate that Mr. Peter Obi is, without a doubt, the humblest, tolerant and peaceful politician in Nigeria today. His exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to peaceful coexistence are exemplary. Even his greatest enemies and opposition parties can attest to his unshakable dedication to maintaining a high level of decorum and respect, even in the face of provocation,” the statement read.
The supporters noted that the former governor of Anambra State often instructs them to ignore provocations and not engage at their level, saying, “Leave them in their lowliness.” Obi frequently asks, “Will this provocation reduce the high cost of food items and the suffering of the people?”
The statement emphasised Obi’s focus on humility and good governance, highlighting his dedication to education, healthcare and alleviating poverty.
“It is astonishing that Bayo Onanuga would attempt to misrepresent Mr. Peter Obi’s character and accuse him of being involved in violence. This is a blatant lie, and we won’t stand for it. Mr. Peter Obi is the vanguard of change in Nigeria, and his patriotic conduct has been a beacon of hope for the country.”
The supporters concluded by calling on all Nigerians to reject Onanuga’s “sinister antics,” accusing him and similar figures of exploiting Nigerians for their self-interest. “They are the real enemies of our country,[people] who have held us down for 63 years,” they stated.
