President Bola Tinubu’s administration has come under fire following allegations of a growing tendency toward dictatorship, sparked by a recent statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, directed at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The controversy arose after Obi, during a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, criticised the Tinubu-led government for what he described as increasing authoritarian tendencies.
Obi expressed concern over the administration’s alleged intolerance for dissent and its handling of national affairs.
In response, Onanuga issued a strongly worded statement labelling Obi a “disgruntled politician” and warning him to “watch what he says.” The remark has been widely interpreted as a threat, prompting backlash from Obi’s supporters and political observers.
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens,” Onanuga said.
“If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday.”
In a statement signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media for the Obidient Movement, on Tuesday, the group condemned Onanuga’s comment, describing it as an attempt to stifle free speech, which is guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“We take serious exception to the uncouth threat by this choleric presidential spokesman whose antecedents as an instigator of intolerance and division are well known, recorded, and documented,” the statement read.
The Obidient Movement questioned the motive behind Onanuga’s warning, asking, “Watch his mouth… or what? What exactly are Onanuga’s plans for Peter Obi? Or more directly, what sinister plans does the Tinubu administration have for its critics, whose ranks swell daily due to the administration’s cluelessness and inability to provide sound governance?”
The statement further accused the Tinubu administration of investing more energy in attacking critics than in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
“If the Tinubu administration had invested a quarter of the energy and resources it expends in hounding and demonizing varying opinions through its intemperate spokespersons and numerous cyber Rottweilers, Nigeria would be a far more decent and conducive place to live in,” Kazaure added.
The Obidient Movement also linked the current climate of political intolerance to the violence and ethnic divisions that marred the 2023 general elections.
“The threat issued to Peter Obi, while completely in character, should not be taken lightly. As the 2023 elections showed, inciting words from highly placed APC officials, including Mr. Onanuga himself, helped to unleash violence, murder, destruction, and ethnic hatred from which Nigeria has yet to recover,” the statement noted.
Kazaure concluded by warning that any harm to Obi, his family, or his associates would be blamed squarely on Onanuga and the Tinubu administration.
“We are putting Nigerians and the international community on strong notice that should any harm of any sort befall Peter Obi, his family, or any of his associates, these culprits, who have clearly identified themselves by their vitriolic speech, will be held entirely responsible,” the statement warned.
