Presidency names masterminds behind planned nationwide protest
The Presidency has alleged that supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, are the masterminds behind the planned nationwide protest.
Some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country.
Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga in a lengthy tweet on Saturday morning said Peter Obi should be blamed if the planned protest turns into violence.
Onanuga claimed that these protest organizers were also behind the violent ENDSARS protest in October 2020.
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 highlighted 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 revealed that there are improvements in the economy and increased revenue.
Onanuga urged Nigerians to consider these efforts and wait for the 2027 elections to make any changes in leadership.
